KENYA – On November 25, 2024, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) convened a landmark Veterinary Statutory Body (VSB) exchange meeting at the Kenyan Veterinary Board headquarters.
The event brought together veterinary leaders from Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, and the African Veterinary Technicians Association (AVTA) to exchange best practices in paraprofessional registration and continuous professional development.
The meeting focused on fortifying veterinary systems across Africa, addressing the challenges of transboundary animal diseases, and combating the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
It underscored the critical role of veterinary paraprofessionals in supporting livestock farmers with preventive healthcare and sustainable livestock management practices.
FAO’s Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD) has been leading the effort to strengthen veterinary systems in Eastern Africa.
The organisation’s “Empowering Veterinary Paraprofessional Entrepreneurs” project, active in Nigeria, South Africa, and Uganda, aims to enhance the skills of paraprofessionals to improve animal health services.
“Strengthening veterinary paraprofessional systems is essential for effective disease control, safeguarding public health, and improving the livelihoods of farming communities,” emphasised Dr Sam Okuthe, FAO ECTAD Coordinator for Epidemiology Capacity Building in Eastern Africa.
The exchange meeting fostered dialogue on strategies to overcome regulatory and operational challenges in the veterinary field.
Mary Theresa Agutu, CEO of the Kenyan Veterinary Board, highlighted the importance of regional collaboration: “Engaging with our counterparts across Africa allows us to learn from each other and implement strategies that improve veterinary services. Together with FAO, we are committed to building resilient veterinary systems supporting animal and human health.”
Tackling antimicrobial resistance
A key focus of the discussions was combating AMR, a global health threat that affects both animal and human populations. AMR is exacerbated by the misuse of antibiotics in livestock, often due to a lack of access to veterinary expertise.
FAO’s initiatives, supported by partners such as USAID and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, promote the One Health approach, integrating animal, human, and environmental health.
Training programs through the FAO Virtual Learning Centre and other platforms equip veterinary professionals with the skills needed to address AMR and other critical health challenges.
The livestock sector is vital to millions across Eastern Africa’s livelihoods and food security. However, diseases, limited access to veterinary care, and AMR pose significant challenges.
By empowering veterinary paraprofessionals, enhancing disease surveillance, and fostering cross-border collaboration, FAO is helping to secure the future of livestock farming in the region.
Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
