Towards a more resilient veterinary workforce for Africa 2024 (Continental Conference)

More than 100 participants attended this inaugural conference, primarily Veterinary Paraprofessionals (VPP) associations, Veterinary Authorities and Veterinary Statutory Bodies (VSB). It resulted in clear recommendations for Members and WOAH. Of the seven assigned to WOAH, all have been achieved or advanced. These include the publication of WOAH Guidelines on VPP Competencies and Curricula, Evolution of the PVS Pathway including new Targeted support activities for Members, and a suite of regional projects to develop pilot activities around workforce development and the integration of VPPs in the workforce, including projects funded by AFD (France) and BMZ (Germany).

Yet challenges still prevail to allow fluid, effective integration of VPPs in the workforce, and harmonised, fit-for-purpose education and training that ensures the graduation of competent, work-ready veterinarians and VPPs, including: a limited number of VSBs in Africa that recognise and register VPPs, limited legislation that recognises VPPs, lack of opportunities for VPPs to provide needed services in the private sector, lack of regulation or implementation of appropriate antimicrobial use and need for further training and management, gender discrepancies in workforce and service provision.

The objectives of this (second) 2024 conference will be to :

• Highlight the relevance and timeliness of investing in veterinary workforces in order to improve animal and human health, meet disease eradication goals (e.g. rabies, peste des petits ruminants or PPR), ensure appropriate antimicrobial use, and contribute to the One Health Workforce;
• Share challenges and good practices around veterinary workforce development and opportunities for regional harmonisation amongst countries and sub-regions in Africa;
• Share new knowledge, tools and opportunities amongst Members, partners and donors;
• Explore issues relevant for a work-ready and future-ready workforce ;
• Coalesce partners, networks, and donors for sustainable planning around identified priorities.

Note that this is an event exclusively targeting selected national representatives, as well as identified observer and partner organisations. No public registration links will be published here.

Contact : Dr. Laibané Dieudonné Dahourou, Programme Officer, WOAH, Dakar, Senegal : [email protected]