Dr Muhammed Pate, coordinating minister of health and social welfare, says veterinarians must remain vigilant in surveillance, prevention and control efforts to mitigate the risks of zoonotic disease outbreaks, epidemics and pandemics.

Mr Pate made the call in Abuja at the commemoration of the 2024 World Veterinary Day with the theme “Veterinarians are essential health workers.”

The event was organised by the FCT chapter of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA).

Delivering a keynote address, the minister said collaboration was paramount in controlling the multifaceted challenges in the country’s health system.

He said that veterinary competencies must be regarded as an essential and integral part of health at large.

Mr Pate explained that the application of veterinary science contributed not only to animal health and welfare but also to human physical, mental and social well-being.

The minister, represented by Olatunde Ajagbonna, Professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Abuja, said that recent epidemics and pandemics like COVID-19 have shown that human, animal and environmental health could not be dealt with separately.

He emphasised that the challenges needed to be addressed in one health approach.

“Mainstreaming this one health concept where human, animal and environmental health workers will work together; the result is such that we can now prevent, predict, prepare for and detect early.

“This will respond to global health threats at both global and local levels,” he said.

Dr Aisha Ndayako, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, identified veterinarians as guidance of safety and security by ensuring that the food consumed by humans was safe.

Ms Ndayako, represented by Dr Bevito Eze, assistant commandant general, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), urged veterinarians to remain committed to being the bridge between humans and animals.

World Veterinary Day is commemorated annually on every last Saturday of April; the 2024 celebration fell on April 27.

(NAN)