Hon. Gaston Dossouhoui, Benin’s Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries officially launched the World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology African Network (WAAVP-AN) in Cotonou, Benin. He emphasized on the urgent need for a cross-border approach to combat animal parasites and expressed Benin’s commitment to supporting the network’s objectives.
Below are the key highlights from the Minister’s Address:
– Cross-border approach crucial: The fight against animal parasites requires a cross-border approach due to their extensive distribution and dispersal across political borders.
– Impact on food security and sustainability: The endemic spread of parasites in sub-Saharan countries has a negative impact on food security and the sustainability of livestock production on the continent.
– Network’s objectives: The network should promote best practices in veterinary parasite management, disseminate knowledge to members and affected communities, and enhance the sub-sector’s contribution to economic and social development.
– Commitment to support: Benin is committed to supporting the network’s objectives and urges the network to support its members, including researchers and communities, in providing a central repository of information and expertise in veterinary parasitology on the continent.
The launch event brought together experts from across Africa and beyond, sharing knowledge on reducing the economic and health impact of parasites in animals and discussing strategies for sustaining the network’s activities. The WAAVP-AN aims to advance veterinary parasitology in Africa, improve the control of animal parasitic diseases, and promote collaboration among African veterinary parasitologists. Membership benefits include access to resources, training and networking opportunities.
The network’s theme, “Advancing Veterinary Parasitology in Africa to Improve the Control of Animal Parasitic Diseases,” reflects its mission to promote awareness and collaboration among stakeholders.
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