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FAO Tanzania Collaborates with Tanzania Veterinary Association (TVA) to Organize World Veterinary Day (WVD) 2024 Celebrations

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) through its Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD), supported the Tanzania Veterinary Association (TVA) to coordinate and facilitate the celebration of World Veterinary Day (WVD) 2024.

The WVD is an annual event organized by the World Veterinary Association (WVA), recognized and celebrated the invaluable contributions of veterinarians worldwide. This year’s theme "Veterinarians are essential health workers," focused on honoring the tireless efforts of veterinary professionals in safeguarding animal and public health.

Highlights from WVD 2024 Celebrations 

The WVD 2024 celebrations were held in the Southern Highlands zone, headquartered in Iringa town. Some of the activities for WVD 2024 included animal rabies vaccination – 1 376 animals (1 358 dogs, 18 cats), vaccination against peste des petits ruminants (PPR) for 5461 animals (1156 goats, 4305 sheep), provision of free animal health services & extension services on animal management (6 242 consultations and 10 000 animals treated/dewormed), surgical operations (50 major and minor), and awareness campaigns targeting both owners of production animals and pets, as well as primary and secondary school children (for over 15 000 people).

The awareness campaigns primarily focused on animal health matters and attracted interest from the youth and school children in science subjects and veterinary science in general. Additionally, a side symposium focused on mitigating priority zoonotic diseases (PZDs) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), highlighting the critical role of veterinarians in public health.

The Guest of Honor for the event, Hon. Daniel Serukamba, Regional Commissioner for Iringa, in his concluding remarks said, "In the intricate web of health, veterinarians are the unseen architects, weaving together the well-being of animals and humans. Let us recognize veterinarians not just as caregivers to our furry friends, but as guardians of our collective health, ensuring a safer, healthier world for all."

FAO Tanzania proudly supported the TVA in facilitating these celebrations, which showcased the dedication and professionalism of veterinarians and para-veterinarians in Tanzania. The collaboration emphasized FAO's dedication to advancing animal health, welfare, and sustainable agriculture in the country.

For more information please contact: 

Alice Maro

National Communications Consultant

FAO Tanzania

Email: [email protected]  

Yanira Santana

Emergency Reporting and Outreach Specialist

Bureau FAO ECTAD Africa

Email : [email protected]