Mashraq Program from Waqaa: Livestock Protection and Food Security in Makkah
In a strategic move aimed at protecting livestock and strengthening the food security 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 field and awareness 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.
These initiatives are part of a broader national context aligned with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which prioritizes food security and the sustainability of natural resources. The livestock sector is a cornerstone of the Kingdom's agricultural economy, and through specialized centers like "Wiqa," the government is working to shift from traditional care methods to modern, proactive preventative practices, thereby reducing economic losses resulting from animal disease outbreaks.
The workshop highlighted the list of animal diseases classified as "high priority" and "endemic" due to their high severity and rapid spread, reviewing the latest internationally approved scientific protocols for their prevention. Discussions also focused on early diagnosis methods that ensure a rapid response and containment of any potential disease outbreaks before they spread, which is a cornerstone of the Kingdom's biodefense strategy.
The sessions featured in-depth interactive discussions between veterinary experts and livestock breeders, during which field experiences were shared and practical solutions to the daily challenges breeders face in managing herd health were reviewed. Center specialists provided a comprehensive explanation of the modern digital systems adopted by "Wiqa," demonstrating to attendees how to use the electronic platforms to submit reports and requests, thus ensuring the rapid delivery of veterinary and advisory services to beneficiaries in record time.
From both an economic and health perspective, these workshops are of paramount importance. Controlling animal diseases not only protects farmers' investments but also forms the first line of defense for public health by preventing the transmission of zoonotic diseases. These efforts aim to raise farmers' awareness of health risks, directly contributing to the sustainability of the agricultural sector and enhancing the quality and efficiency of local livestock production, making it highly competitive and reliable.
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, ensuring that the guidance messages reached the widest possible segment of beneficiaries across diverse terrains and pastoral environments. The center's offices in these governorates conducted similar workshops with broad participation from interested parties, all focusing on enhancing preventative knowledge to reduce animal health risks and build a robust defense against transboundary animal diseases.
