VCN seeks Female Veterinarians support in public health

The Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN), has urged female veterinarians to support the council in providing quality veterinary services in terms of livelihood and public health to farmers in rural communities.

Dr Bala Muhammad, Vice President of the council, made the call at the Female Veterinarians Association of Nigeria (FEVAN) conference on Saturday in Abuja tagged, Female Veterinarians in Sustainable Development.

He identified female veterinarians as crucial and critical in meeting the Sustainable Development Goals 3, 6 and 9 that addressed public health issues.

According to him, SDG 3 has to do with good health and wellbeing, 5 gender equality, 6 clean water and sanitation and 9 Industry, innovation and infrastructure. He however assured the association of the council’s support in meeting the SDGs to push the agenda of government forward in terms of delivery quality veterinary services to farmers.

“Female veterinarians mean a lot to the veterinary profession looking at the place our women hold in the society when you look at certain SDGs. It is important that you have the female bridge, that gap of cultural barriers where in certain exercises in part of the country, the other sex are not allowed to even interact with females.”

Dr Gloria Daminabo, the Convener of the conference, pledged the association’s commitment to partner with other institutions on women and youth empowerment through professional skills.

Dr Vivian Iwar, Executive Director, ECOWAS Regional Animal Health Centre, tasked older veterinarians on mentoring the young female veterinarians and would be veterinarians to see the profession beyond just physical demands of it.

According to her, they must realise that the role of a veterinarian in the society is a versatile one. “We also expect you to involve in political activities so as to be able to push for issues that will be of interest and benefits to the profession and by extension the larger society.”

Dr Dooshima Kwange, keynote speaker, described the conference theme as apt adding that, “our wellbeing is having issues because of climate change. She however stressed the need to ensure sustainable development for our wellbeing and for the wellbeing of generation to come.”

Also, Dr Olutoyin Adetuberu, National President of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), said FEVAN was aimed at ensuring female veterinarians have a common course and pursue it with a goal for the betterment of female folks.

According to her, the gathering is also for the betterment of the profession and the country in general

NAN