Irene, South Africa
African veterinary paraprofessionals call for renewed framework to engage with the veterinary profession and for enhanced involvement in veterinary matters across the African continent.
October 15, 2015
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From 13 to 15 October 2015, WOAH (then : OIE), together with the African Veterinary Technicians Association (AVTA), and with the financial and technical support of the Global Alliance for Livestock Veterinary Medicines (GALVmed) and the South African Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF), organised a Conference entitled: “Continental Conference on the Role of Veterinary Paraprofessionals in Africa: Linking veterinary para-professionals and veterinarians”. The conference was held in Irene, Pretoria, South Africa.
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 :
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Contact : Dr. Laibané Dieudonné Dahourou, Programme Officer, WOAH, Dakar, Senegal : [email protected]
