Mashraq Program: Preventive efforts to protect livestock and food security in Makkah
In a strategic move aimed at strengthening the biosecurity system in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the National Center for Plant Pest and Animal Disease Prevention and Control (Wiqa’) in the Makkah region intensified its awareness and field efforts, launching a series of specialized workshops under the umbrella of the “Mishraq” program. These workshops directly targeted specialists and livestock breeders to familiarize them with priority animal diseases and effective mechanisms for combating them, during a large gathering hosted by the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce, with the impact extending to various governorates in the region.
National context for enhancing food security
These intensive efforts by the Waqaa Center align with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes food security and the sustainability of natural resources. The livestock sector is a cornerstone of the Saudi agricultural economy, as the Kingdom strives to increase its self-sufficiency in red meat and dairy products. Therefore, the Mishraq workshops are not merely fleeting awareness events, but rather part of a comprehensive national movement aimed at transforming livestock farming practices from traditional methods to professional practices based on prevention and biosecurity to ensure sustainable production.
Addressing pandemic challenges and protecting public health
The workshop highlighted the list of animal diseases classified as "high priority" due to their high risk, not only to livestock but also because of the potential for some to be transmitted to humans (zoonotic diseases). Experts reviewed the latest internationally recognized scientific protocols for preventing these epidemics and early diagnosis methods that ensure a rapid response and containment of any potential disease outbreaks before they spread. These efforts are particularly important in the Makkah region, given its religious and geographical significance as a hub for millions of pilgrims, requiring a large supply of healthy, disease-free livestock, especially during peak seasons.
Digital transformation in veterinary services
To enhance operational efficiency, the center's specialists provided a comprehensive explanation of the modern digital systems adopted by "Wiqaa." They demonstrated to attendees how to use the electronic platforms to submit reports and requests, ensuring the rapid delivery of veterinary and advisory services to beneficiaries in record time. The sessions featured in-depth interactive discussions between experts and livestock breeders, facilitating the exchange of field experiences and the exploration of practical solutions to the daily challenges breeders face in managing herd health, thereby enhancing the quality and efficiency of local livestock production.
comprehensive geographical expansion
The efforts were not limited to Jeddah Governorate alone; the center's branch in the Makkah region expanded its awareness campaign to include the Holy City of Makkah and the governorates of Taif, Al-Qunfudhah, and Al-Khurmah. The center's offices in these governorates conducted similar workshops with wide participation from interested parties, all of which focused on enhancing preventative knowledge to reduce animal health risks and create a strong defense to ensure the sustainability of the agricultural sector and protect the national economy from potential losses due to epidemics.
