Dr. Rutagwenda Theogene speaking on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI).
Kigali: On 4thDecember 2019, The Rwanda Council of Veterinary Doctors (RCVD) launched a 2-day 1st Annual scientific conference. The theme of the conference: “The Role of Veterinarians and Animal Scientists in addressing challenges to sustainable development” goes a long way to recognize the relevance of information and skills of professionals in the livestock sector and recent advancement in science and technological innovations.
The conference has brought together veterinarians and animal scientists as well as other key industry stakeholders in acknowledging the role of scientific research to address various challenges faced by the livestock sector in Rwanda and across the East Africa region and beyond.
Through paper presentations and discussions on selected animal health, animal welfare and production subject matters, the veterinarians and animal scientists will share knowledge and exchange new ideas contributing towards much desired continuous professional development.
Under the auspices of the RCVD, the 1st annual veterinary conference is exciting for the entire industry. Scientific conferences in veterinary and animal science have been conducted across the region of East Africa and other countries worldwide hosted by the respective veterinary bodies periodically.
The biggest of such professional conferences held every four years is the Commonwealth Veterinary Conference to which Rwanda has been a member since joining the Commonwealth in 2009.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), Dr. Rutagwenda Theogene highlighted the benefits that the conference provides all veterinarians and animal scientists including as a platform for researchers to showcase their innovations as well as foster interaction among professionals. “This conference also provides young scientists an opportunity to be inspired and to learn from more experienced vets in different fields,” he said.
The RCVD President Dr. Francois Xavier Rusanganwa recognised the role played by the Government of Rwanda over the years following the tragedy of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi and the war that decimated the livestock population and had the country struggling to rebuild. “Today, Rwanda’s livestock population has grown significantly, and the quality and volume of animal sourced products has improved, thanks to a wide range of development and stakeholders”, he acknowledged.
The livestock sector in Rwanda like other professions faces a growing need to innovatively tackle emerging challenges using most up to date research and technology innovations available across different value chains. Reflecting on the theme of the conference, the FAO Deputy Representative Dr. Otto Vianney Muhinda highlighted the significant role of veterinary professionals towards addressing challenges to sustainable development in line with livestock and SDGs. “We cannot underestimate the role the professional play to bring food to the table particularly towards increasing access, availability and consumption of animal sourced foods -including eggs, milk products, meat and fish” he remarked.
About RCVD: The Rwanda Council of Veterinary Doctors is the governing body in Rwanda responsible for ensuring established ethical values are observed by all animal health professionals including veterinarians, animal scientists and veterinary technicians.
The Government of Rwanda (GoR) is expected to draw many benefits from RCVD that was established by Law No 56/2013 with the general mission to ensure the provision of quality and reliable veterinary services, as it is used in other countries where farming and the veterinary profession are developed. (End)