NEWS:

28 May, 2015


Traditionally, Malawi has relied on other countries to train her veterinary surgeons, leaving an extreme shortage in the number qualified veterinary doctors.

Speaking to our reporter on Wednesday, LUANAR’s Veterinary Programme Coordinator, Dr William Mfitilodze, said this is the reason the government requested his institution to introduce a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) programme in order to address the gap.

He said the country’s livestock populations continues to growing annually yet government employs only several veterinarians in the civil service and very few in active service providing care services the livestock industry.

“Through the programme, we aim to increase productivity of the livestock industry and improve the livelihoods of livestock farmers by providing high quality veterinary services that will guarantee improved animal health, quality, marketability of livestock, and public health and safe livestock products” said Mfitilodze.

He said through the introduction of this programme more veterinarian will work in government, the private sector, with farmer organisations, and join research and education establishments, thus strengthening the role of the profession in animal and human health. The livestock industry will benefit a lot as it will be serviced by adequate numbers of qualified veterinarians providing services for the health and protection of its animals.

“The improved livestock unit to veterinarian ratio will allow animal owners to be served promptly when veterinary services are required and the country will be guaranteed health and safe livestock products.” said Mfitilodze.

The DVM is a five-year programme. Currently fourteen (11 male and 3 female) students enrolled in 2014. When qualified, they will be accredited by the Board of the Veterinary Surgery of Malawi.