Enhancing National Veterinary Service Delivery Capacity in Nigeria, South Africa and Uganda - MTF/INT/610/BMG

Abstract

Animal healthcare services are crucial for managing livestock diseases and enhancing productivity, especially in regions with low veterinarian availability, like sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. Structural adjustments in these regions have shifted public veterinary services to focus on disease surveillance and control, limiting broader livestock healthcare. Private-sector veterinary paraprofessionals (VPPs) are pivotal in filling this gap, reaching rural livestock farmers, including women. However, they face challenges, including gaps in training, lack of professional development, remote work environments, competition from unqualified providers, and poorly regulated veterinary product markets. These obstacles often prevent VPPs from sustaining their businesses, exacerbating service access gaps. To address these challenges, FAO received a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to pilot a sustainable VPP-driven animal health service model. In collaboration with HealthforAnimals and the World Veterinary Association (WVA), FAO selected Nigeria, South Africa and Uganda for project implementation, following comprehensive assessments of each country’s legal and regulatory environment.