Freetown: The Livestock and Veterinary Division convened the 7th In-Service Applied Veterinary Epidemiology Programme (ISAVET) Steering Committee Meeting on Monday, March 30, 2026, at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) Conference Hall. The gathering marked a pivotal moment for Cohort II graduates while laying groundwork for the forthcoming Cohort III rollout. According to Sierra Leone News Agency, the Steering Committee comprises diverse institutional leadership, including the Director of Livestock and Veterinary Services, MAFS Training Unit, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), National Public Health Agency (NPHA) under the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MoHS), World Health Organization (WHO), University of Makeni (UNIMAK), Njala University, and Milton Margai Technical University (MMTU). Mr. Saidu Bamayange, MAFS Director of Livestock and Veterinary Services Division, framed the meeting's purpose around ISAVET trainings delivered through academic channels for capacity development, specifically citing Njala University and University of Makeni as implementing partners. Funding streams from USAID alongside the World Bank Pandemic Fund enable these cohort trainings, Director Bamayange explained, positioning the nation's animal sector for meaningful advancement. Sierra Leone now demonstrates notable veterinary sector gains, Bamayange stated. The country boasts eight veterinary doctors alongside operational para-vet programming surpassing regional counterparts Liberia and Guinea. The Terms of Reference extended an invitation for the Steering Committee critique regarding the World Bank Pandemic Fund implementation tied to ISAVET activities. Existing USAID funds have effectively trained approximately 21 cohorts, he noted, with Pandemic Fund resources set to facilitate upcoming graduation ceremonies before Cohort III launch. Bamayange urged committee members to deliberate on strategic roadmaps and actionable steps ensuring successful third cohort rollout. He specifically commended UNIMAK for institutional commitment to animal health training, evidenced by MAFS staff skill development through university programming. Mr. Salam Saidu, MAFS Assistant Director for Livestock and National ISAVET Coordinator, elaborated on programme structure. ISAVET delivers in-service training for veterinarians and veterinary paraprofessionals explicitly designed to cultivate epidemiological knowledge for rapid response to animal disease threats. USAID funding supports the initiative, Assistant Director Saidu confirmed, with FAO providing technical implementation assistance through MAFS. Two cohort trainings have been completed; the third cohort rollout approaches imminently.