Weqaa National Center: The Kingdom’s First Line of Defense for Food Security and Public Health

The National Center for the Prevention and Control of Plant Pests and Animal Diseases (Weqaa) is one of Saudi Arabia’s key strategic institutions, established as an independent entity dedicated to protecting and sustaining the Kingdom’s agricultural and livestock sectors. The Center was founded as part of the restructuring initiatives of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, to strengthen food security, safeguard public health, and enhance the effectiveness of disease prevention and control.

Vision and Mission

Vision
To achieve leadership and excellence in protecting plant and animal health, enhancing food security, and supporting sustainable resource development.

Mission
To implement best practices and advanced technologies in prevention and control, while strengthening the national biosecurity system through strategic partnerships and qualified professionals dedicated to protecting public health and agricultural and livestock resources from potential threats.

Strategic Objectives

Weqaa is committed to building an integrated protection system that supports both the national economy and community well-being through:

• Strengthening biosecurity by developing programs and strategies that prevent the introduction and spread of transboundary animal diseases and quarantine plant pests.
• Implementing proactive prevention and control measures to manage endemic and invasive pests and diseases through modern, integrated approaches.
• Enhancing early warning systems through advanced monitoring and surveillance technologies to predict outbreaks and respond rapidly to emergencies.
• Raising awareness and encouraging community participation by educating farmers, livestock owners, and the public on best agricultural and husbandry practices.

Core Areas of Responsibility

Plant Health Sector

This sector focuses on protecting vegetation and agricultural crops throughout the Kingdom from various threats, including:

• Controlling quarantine pests such as the Red Palm Weevil, termites, and Fall Armyworm.
• Monitoring and managing desert locust populations to prevent damage to agricultural production.
• Regulating the use of agricultural pesticides to ensure food safety and environmental protection.

Animal Health and Biosecurity Sector

This sector is dedicated to safeguarding livestock, poultry, and aquatic resources from infectious and epidemic diseases through:

• Preventive vaccination programs against diseases such as Rift Valley Fever, Brucellosis, Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), and Avian Influenza.
• Implementing biosecurity measures across farms and large-scale production facilities to contain and prevent disease transmission.
• Controlling zoonotic diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans, thereby protecting public health.

One Health Approach

Weqaa operates in accordance with the globally recognized One Health framework, an integrated approach that connects human, animal, plant, and environmental health. The Center recognizes that protecting plant and animal health directly contributes to human well-being, food security, and sustainable development.

Supporting the National Economy

By fostering a safe and sustainable agricultural and livestock environment, Weqaa contributes to:

• Reducing economic losses by protecting farmers’ and breeders’ investments from pest infestations and disease outbreaks.
• Encouraging investment through the creation of a stable and attractive environment for agriculture, livestock production, and food industries.

• Supporting exports by improving the quality of Saudi products to meet international standards, facilitating access to global markets.