More than 200,000 poultry across northern Ghana have been vaccinated against Newcastle disease in an effort to protect rural livelihoods and strengthen food security. 

The large-scale intervention targets one of the most damaging viral infections affecting birds and safeguards smallholder farmers who rely heavily on poultry for income and nutrition.

The campaign covered local fowl, exotic birds, guinea fowl, turkeys and ducks across the Savannah, North East and Upper East Regions. 

It was carried out by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with the Veterinary Services Directorate of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, with funding from the European Union.

Implemented under the EU-funded Food Security Response in Northern Ghana Project, the initiative also strengthened the capacity of 70 ministry officers and field technicians in farmer mobilisation, poultry health education and vaccination delivery.

According to a statement issued by FAO and shared with the Ghana News Agency in Tamale, the vaccination campaign is designed to safeguard rural livestock, improve nutrition and bolster the resilience of smallholder farmers.

Mr Rune Skinnebach, the EU Ambassador to Ghana, described the successful vaccination of more than 200,000 birds as “a testament to our shared commitment with the people of Northern Ghana”. 

He stressed that protecting livestock is a direct investment in food security and the economic resilience of rural households, forming a key component of the EU’s long-term support for the region.

Newcastle disease is a highly contagious viral infection that affects both domestic and wild birds, leading to respiratory distress, reduced egg production and high mortality. 

In Ghana, outbreaks have caused severe economic losses for farmers and pose a recurring threat to food and nutrition security, particularly for households that depend on poultry as a primary source of income and protein.

FAO noted that the vaccination exercise was conducted across districts and communities targeted by the project, with a strong focus on inclusive community participation. 

Women, persons with disabilities and young farmers were prioritised to help prevent livestock losses and strengthen food security among vulnerable groups.

Madam Priya Gujadhur, FAO Representative in Ghana, emphasised the broader impact of the campaign. 

“Protecting the poultry sector means protecting livelihoods, nutrition and hope for rural families. 

Through this campaign, FAO is ensuring that communities, especially women and youth, have the knowledge and resources to safeguard their flocks and strengthen food security in the long term,” she said.

Foster Batom, a lead farmer from Sigma Community, shared how last year’s lack of access to vaccines resulted in widespread poultry losses. 

“This year, thanks to FAO and the veterinary officers who came to vaccinate our birds, we’re hopeful that our poultry will stay healthy,” he said.

Source: Access Agric