NAIROBI, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- Experts on Tuesday began a three-day meeting in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi to promote animal health in Africa.

The Continental Conference for Veterinary Workforce 2024 brought together more than 175 participants, including veterinary professionals, policymakers, representatives of international organizations, private sector stakeholders and donors to address critical issues in veterinary services and veterinary workforce development in Africa.

Andrew Karanja, cabinet secretary of Kenya's Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, said that animal health is crucial in Africa because more than 50 percent of the population of the region relies on livestock to sustain its livelihood.

"Veterinary professionals can help Africa maintain animal health through early diagnosis and treatment of diseases that affect their productivity," Karanja said, adding that years of underinvestment means that many African countries face a shortage of skilled veterinary professionals.

Francois Caya, chief of staff of the World Organization for Animal Health, an intergovernmental organization, urged African governments to put in place legislation that will promote animal welfare and disease control to provide a safe environment for animals. Caya also called for cross-border collaboration to tackle transboundary animal and zoonotic diseases that are disruptive to the livelihood of livestock keepers resulting in loss of income for farmers.

Huyam Ahmed Mohammed Elamin Salih, director of the African Union's Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources, said that one of the most effective ways to promote animal health is through vaccination programs, especially for common diseases such as foot and mouth, rabies and anthrax.

Salih added that Africa can leverage modern technology such as telemedicine to expand access to veterinary services even to underserved communities.

Carolin Schumacher, chief executive officer of the Global Alliance for Livestock Veterinary Medicines, said that investing in veterinary education is one avenue to encourage more Africans to become veterinary professionals. Schumacher also highlighted the role of increased collaboration between governments, universities and industry in research to develop medicines to tackle local diseases. Enditem

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