In this story:
- Veterinary Parasitology African Network to reduce economic, health impact of parasites
- Network to support veterinary services, paraveterinary professionals, Animal Health Solution providers
- Over 50 delegates from within and outside Africa to attend launch
By Conrad Mwanawashe
THE African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF), together with its partners, is launching the World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology African Network (WAAVP-AN), an initiative aimed at reducing the economic and health impact of parasites on animals in Africa.
The WAAVP-AN will be launched on June 26-27, 2024, in Cotonou, Benin, under the theme: “Advancing Veterinary Parasitology in Africa for Enhanced Control of Animal Parasitic Diseases”.
The network is poised to significantly impact the African continent by advancing Veterinary Parasitology across Africa, leveraging the existing strengths established by the pan-African veterinary parasitology team. This will be achieved by supporting veterinary services, paraveterinary professionals, and Animal Health Solution providers through training and scientific advice, thereby enhancing the knowledge of African veterinary parasites.
Furthermore, the network will identify knowledge gaps and seek solutions, ultimately leading to a brighter future for animal health and welfare and strengthened veterinary services across Africa.
“We envisage WAAVP-AN as a critical pool of experts capable of evaluating and recommending appropriate solutions to improve the management of animal parasitic diseases in Africa,” the co-chairs of the WAAVP-AN steering committee, Dr Ayodele Majekodunmi, and Dr Patrick Vudriko, said.
With funding from the Gates Foundation, the WAAVP-AN will support projects addressing key priority areas in Veterinary Parasitology within Africa, maximizing transboundary collaboration and impact. The first call for proposals for the WAAVP-AN grants will be made during the launch.
The network is committed to ensuring women are fully represented and supported in all its activities.
The WAAVP-AN, a dynamic network of individuals and institutions, is dedicated to enhancing the control of parasitic diseases, advancing research and training, and promoting sustainable livestock production in Africa. This event aims to raise awareness, uncover opportunities, and establish a robust platform for in-depth discussions on managing animal parasitic diseases in Africa.
The network will convene a multidisciplinary panel of subject matter experts to assess and recommend viable solutions for enhancing the management of veterinary-relevant parasites across the African continent. The launch, which will be attended by over 50 delegates from within and outside Africa, marks the network’s second foray into the African continent, furthering its mission to promote awareness and increase its visibility.
