Mr Abdullahi said the government would ensure effective coordination of veterinary practice, enabling the professionals to take pride in being essential health workers.

Pix: Agric minister, Sabi Abdullahi

The federal government says it is committed to ensuring policies and programmes geared towards inclusiveness and equity in the veterinary profession.

Sabi Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, made the commitment at the commemoration of the World Veterinary Day on Saturday in Abuja.

The event, organised by the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), FCT Chapter, has the theme ‘Veterinarians are essential health workers’.

Mr Abdullahi said the government would ensure effective coordination of veterinary practice, enabling the professionals to take pride in being essential health workers.

The minister acknowledged that veterinarians were essential in protecting public health, ensuring the safety of the food supply chain, and preventing the transmission of zoonotic diseases to humans, thereby reducing the risk of disease outbreaks.

The minister said as pacesetters in public health, veterinarians deserve the attention of both the government and private sectors for effective service delivery.

According to him, the theme underscores the need for continued support and recognition of the profession and its contributions to society.

The minister added that the theme aligned with the one-health approach involving human, animal and environmental health in addressing global health security.

Chinna Joe-Iruobe, chairperson of NVMA, FCT chapter, identified veterinarians as frontline defenders against zoonotic diseases that could be transmitted from animals to humans.

Ms Joe-Iruobe, however, said that despite their invaluable role as essential health workers, veterinarians are often overlooked in the country.

“Recognising them as essential health workers is not only a matter of acknowledging their contributions but also ensuring a healthier, safer future for all,” the chairperson said. 

(NAN)