Recognition for work in combating global livestock disease

The Department for International Development (DFID) has been presented with the Innovation Award at this year’s UK Civil Service Awards, held in London earlier this month (November).

The DFID won the award n recognition of its work creating and supporting the Global Alliance for Veterinary Medicines (GALVmed) and for its work in combating global livestock disease.

GALVmed was set up by the DFID in 2005 with the intention to provide a not-for-profit organisation to deliver animal drugs and vaccines in Africa and Asia. It has helped farmers in developing countries gain access to medicines and vaccines for a range of important diseases, including East Coast fever, Newcastle disease and Rift Valley fever.

The organisation has also benefited from support and funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation since 2008.

Following the award announcement, GALVmed’s interim chief executive Andy Peters said: “We offer our congratulations to the DIFD on winning this prestigious civil service award for innovation and are proud GALVmed and all of our alliance partners are connected to it.”

He added: “Together we are protecting livestock and improving the lives of some of the 900 million people who rely on livestock for livelihood by making livestock vaccines, medicines and diagnostics available and accessible to some of the world’s poorest people.  

“DFID has continued to show great confidence in GALVmed to translate an idea into developing appropriate, innovative approaches towards ensuring sustainable research, production and delivery."