Experts meeting, Webinar
Advancing the One Health approach for control of Zoonotic Tuberculosis in Africa
From 17/03/2026 to 17/03/2026
12:00pm – 1:30pm (GMT+1:00)
Online
WHO and WOAH are jointly hosting a webinar to mark World Tuberculosis Day which is observed on 24th March 2026, bringing together human and animal health experts, national programme managers, and development partner to advance the One Health response to zoonotic tuberculosis (zTB) across Africa
Zoonotic tuberculosis, caused by members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC), and principally Mycobacterium bovis which remains a neglected yet significant burden in the community and in livestock. Transmission occurs primarily through direct contact with infected livestock or consumption of unpasteurised milk and dairy products, disproportionately affecting pastoral and smallholder farming communities in low- and middle-income countries
In 2017, WHO, WOAH, FAO, and the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union) jointly published the Global Roadmap for Zoonotic Tuberculosis. Seven years on, implementation of this roadmap across remains uneven, constrained by weak inter-sectoral coordination, diagnostic gaps, and limited investment
WOAH has provided internationally recognised standards for the diagnosis, surveillance, and control of mammalian tuberculosis in animals through two key instruments: Terrestrial Animal Health Code, Chapter 8.12.andTerrestrial Manual, Chapter 3.1.13
In 2024, WOAH published guidelines on control of MTBC infection animal in livestock to provide guidance to for those countries who are looking for alternative approaches to test and slaughter to reduce the burden of the disease in animals
This webinar provides a timely platform to review progress, and look at the country level evidence from Algeria, Madagascar, and best practises in Ethiopia to mobilise renewed political and financial commitment for zoonotic tuberculosis
The webinar will be offered in English with simultaneous translation in French
Last date of registration -15th March 2026
The webinar is open to public health and veterinary professionals, national TB and zoonoses programme managers, researchers, One Health practitioners, and development partners
| Time | Session | Content | Speakers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12:00–12:05 | Opening | Welcome address: brief introduction to the webinar, overview of the agenda | Prof Dissou AffolabiNational TB Programme Coordinator of Benin and Head of the WARN/CARN-TB Network SecretariatDr Marcus LacerdaDirector, Special programme for research and training in Tropical diseases (TDR) – WHO – Geneva |
| 12:05–12:15 | Gaps/Progress in the roadmap for zoonotic tuberculosis and challenges | Current situation & challenges faced in controlling zoonotic TB | Dr Corinne MerleWHO – TDRIrwin LayWHO, Department of HIV, TB Hepatitis and STIs |
| 12:15–12:25 | WOAH Strategies for control of bovine tuberculosis | Tools for endemic countries. Guidelines for control of MTBC infection in livestock | Dr Monal Ajit DaptardarScientific Coordinator, WOAH |
| 12:25–12:55 | 1. Madagascar2. Algeria3. Ethiopia | Country Perspectives focusing on needs and next steps | Dr Joelle RazafimahefaFaculté de Médecine Fianarantsoa, MadagascarDr Maamar KhamesUniversité de Médéa, AlgérieDr. Matios LakewResearcherAnimal Health Institute, Ministry of Agriculture, Ethiopia |
| 12:55–13:05 | How do countries build a Business Case for investment in ZTB | From a donor’s perspective. How to catalyze investment towards the implementation of ZTB Roadmap – towards a compelling business case | Dr Nick JuleffDeputy Director Gates Foundation |
| 13:05–13:25 | Q & A – Interactive discussion on how to scale up | Open round of discussion | All Speakers |
| 13:25–13:30 | Closing Remarks | Takeaway messages | Dr Gregorio TorresWOAH |
