By Yvonne Niño, WVA Policy Officer
The World Veterinary Association (WVA), in partnership with the Africa Veterinary Technicians Association (AVTA) and in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), successfully held a two-day workshop in Pretoria, South Africa, on 15–16 October 2025.
The workshop formed part of the Veterinary Para-professionals (VPP) Project – Phase 2, which aims to strengthen collaboration between veterinarians and veterinary paraprofessionals (AHTs) in Nigeria, Uganda, and South Africa.
The event brought together 20 participants representing key veterinary stakeholders, including the South African Veterinary Association (SAVA), represented by Dr. Ziyanda Majokweni, the South African Animal Health Technicians Association (SAAAHT), the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC), the Chief Veterinary Officer, the FAO Country Office, the Black Veterinary Forum, and RuVASA.
The programme included several presentations, among them an update from FAO on the implementation of the VPP Project across the three target countries, highlighting national progress, lessons learned, and the importance of building local ownership of the joint action plans.
Dr. Nandipha Toyota Ndudane, WVA Councillor for Africa, actively contributed to discussions on professional collaboration and the role of veterinary leadership in promoting inclusive and effective veterinary service delivery. In her remarks, Dr. Ndudane emphasized: ‘Strengthening collaboration between veterinarians and paraprofessionals is essential to ensure equitable access to animal health services and advance One Health at the community level.’
The workshop also featured the presentation of findings from a baseline survey conducted earlier in 2025, a SWOT analysis, and the joint development of a national action plan to strengthen collaboration and trust between veterinarians and AHTs. Key areas of focus included enhancing communication, better understanding of professional roles and scope of practice, and expanding joint Continuous Professional Development (CPD) opportunities.
The WVA, together with AVTA and FAO, will continue to support implementation and foster strong, collaborative relationships between veterinarians and paraprofessionals as part of the VPP Phase 2 Project.
