<p>The FAO sponsored meat inspectors training program for the first group of trainees in Somaliland was officially closed on 17th February 2013 in a colourful ceremony presided over by the Somaliland Minister of Livetsock. The training which started on November 3, 2013 was being implemented by the Department of Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi. Twenty four participants attended the training at IGAD Sheikh Technical Veterinary School in Somaliland. The training program was part of a capacity building effort for the Ministry of Livestock in Somaliland and Puntland that is being undertaken by FAO-Somalia to improve the quality of meat produced in the region. Speaking during the closing ceremony, Somaliland’s Minister for Livestock Dr. Abdi Aw Dahir said that they requested for the training after it was realised that meat inspection services were lacking in the country due to lack of expertise, and that the 24 trainees who had been trained by the University of Nairobi will enable the Ministry to start providing these essential services and implement the meat hygiene code that had recently been approved by parliament. Photos of the closing ceremony (ISTVS)</p><p>A colourful closing ceremony Participants display a certificate of participation</p><p>Prof. Jackson N. Ombui, Chairman PHPT With Participants The FAO sponsored meat inspectors training program for the first group of trainees in Somaliland was officially closed on 17th February 2013 in a colourful ceremony presided over by the Somaliland Minister of Livetsock. The training which started on November 3, 2013 was being implemented by the Department of Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi. Twenty four participants attended the training at IGAD Sheikh Technical Veterinary School in Somaliland. The training program was part of a capacity building effort for the Ministry of Livestock in Somaliland and Puntland that is being undertaken by FAO-Somalia to improve the quality of meat produced in the region. Speaking during the closing ceremony, Somaliland’s Minister for Livestock Dr. Abdi Aw Dahir said that they requested for the training after it was realised that meat inspection services were lacking in the country due to lack of expertise, and that the 24 trainees who had been trained by the University of Nairobi will enable the Ministry to start providing these essential services and implement the meat hygiene code that had recently been approved by parliament. Photos of the closing ceremony (ISTVS)</p><p>A colourful closing ceremony Participants display a certificate of participation</p><p>Prof. Jackson N. Ombui, Chairman PHPT With Participants</p>