First Benin Veterinary Days: The Veterinarian, an essential agent in the "One Health" approach

The first Benin Veterinary Days were officially launched this Thursday, September 26, 2024 in Cotonou (Palais des Congrès) by the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Gaston Dossouhoui. The ministerial authority took the opportunity to stress the need to raise awareness of the risks associated with zoonoses.

"The veterinarian, an essential health agent at the heart of the One Health approach". This is the theme of the discussions and presentations at the First Veterinary Days of Benin. These days aim to raise the profile of the veterinary profession and highlight the role played by animal health professionals. The Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Gaston Dossouhoui, emphasized some of the challenges facing veterinary services, which include guaranteeing access to care and protection for animals.access to care and protection for animals and their well-being; to protect mankind by guaranteeing food safety and to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which is currently one of the most serious threats to human health. "September 28, 2024, the closing date of the Days, coincides with the celebration of World Rabies Day. To this end, the Minister reminded veterinarians of their responsibility to raise community awareness of the risks associated with zoonoses and the inappropriate use of antimicrobials.Then, in view of the December 31, 2024 ban on frozen poultry imports, he invited them to invest more in promoting livestock production by strengthening dedicated agricultural councils. World Veterinary Day was created in 2000 to promote the role of the veterinarian in the health and well-being of animals, humans and communities. And for Christian Dovonou, President of the Conseil de l'Ordre National des Médecins Vétérinaires du Bénin, the organization he heads has been planning a national celebration of these days for several years. "Thanks to everyone's support, we have the honor of celebrating the first edition of this event, which we want to make a regular feature," he says, as reported on the official government website.

Source: matinlibre.com/