The IGAD Region Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Strategy and Plan of Action 2017 - 2022 presents the vision and mission of IGAD in relation to SPS. The IGAD, aims at being the Lead Facilitator r of SPS-Compliance (in relation to the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures sets out the basic rules on food safety and animal and plant health standards that governments are required to follow) with the mission to promote market access, improvement of economic wellbeing, public health, agricultural and environmental protection through improved management of pests and diseases, and maintenance of food and feed safety across the value chain. The Strategy proposes four broad areas of focus within the five-year period. These are: 1) Coordination, collaboration and regulatory review and alignment that entails legal reform, harmonization, establishment of SPS structures at member state level and at secretariat, as well as coordination of joint decisions at regional and at multilateral level; 2) Strengthening public and private sector for SPS Compliance. This will entail enhancement of both private and public sector through training, mentorship and provision of necessary infrastructure including laboratories and framework for collaborations etc); 3) Managing trans-boundary pests, diseases and food safety hazards through establishment of early warning systems, traceability systems among others. 4) Communication, Education, Advocacy and Awareness.
2017-01-01