Transboundary animal diseases (TADs) are a persistent threat to global agriculture, undermining food security, livelihoods, public health and trade—especially in low- and middle-income countries. In response, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is advancing a new framework designed to strengthen international action against these outbreaks. A report prepared for FAO’s livestock sub-committee outlines the rationale and structure of the Global Partnership Programme on Transboundary Animal Diseases (GPP-TAD), highlighting a major change in how support is organized.
The programme follows a request made during the 44th session of the FAO Conference to safeguard and strengthen work related to TADs. It is expected to move implementation toward a model driven by countries themselves, supported by FAO and other partners, rather than relying primarily on donor-led projects.
A shift to a country-led partnership model
GPP-TAD is framed as a four-year programme that will place national governments at the centre of implementation. FAO would provide technical support and facilitate coordination, while engaging additional stakeholders such as the private sector, producers and financial institutions. The approach is intended to align efforts with local priorities while improving consistency across regions.
FAO’s role as facilitator and technical backstop
Under the proposed structure, FAO is expected to act as a neutral matchmaker and provider of normative guidance. Beyond convening partners, FAO would also offer last-resort technical and operational support at global, regional and national levels where needed.
Consultations and path to launch
Preparations included broad consultations conducted from January to May 2026. These discussions covered briefings for regional groups at FAO headquarters, exchanges during FAO Regional Conferences, and engagement with international organizations. Among the external bodies involved were the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).
Guidance requested from the sub-committee
The report states that the programme is on track for an official launch in June 2026. The sub-committee is invited to review progress and provide direction on strategic priorities and the resource mobilization approach for GPP-TAD.