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Veterinarian's competencies must be regarded as an essential and integral part of health at large, says the World Veterinary Association.

It says the application of veterinary science contributes not only to animal health and well-being but also to human’s physical, mental and social well-being.

“This dimension of the veterinarian's work often remains invisible to society but protecting and improving the health of people and their communities is an essential part of the vet profession,” stated the association.

One of their main responsibilities is to identify and respond to disease outbreaks early on, and by doing so, they can limit their effect on both humans and animals and the disease moving from animals to human-beings.

Annually, World Veterinary Day is celebrated on the last Saturday of April to recognise the work of veterinarians around the world and their contributions to improving animal health and welfare, as well as public health. 

This year, World Veterinary Day was celebrated on Saturday, April 27, 2024, under the theme ‘Veterinarians are essential health workers across the world.’

The theme highlighted the contributions of veterinarians to the health of animals, people, and the environment. 

In Uganda, the week-long activities to mark World Veterinary Day this year climaxed on Friday, April 26, 2024, with celebrations in Rakai district organised by the Uganda Veterinary Association (UVA), the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Industry and fisheries (MAAIF), and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). The vets had farmers training, a surgery camp for small animals, and undertook vaccination of animals.

According to FAO, in order to effectively manage disease outbreaks; functional Veterinary Laboratories are essential. 

The organisation said it is working with MAAIF, to strengthen national and regional Animal Disease Diagnostics and Epidemiology Centers. “Together, we are ensuring a healthier future for all,’ it says.