The world veterinary day 2017 commemoration was organized by Puntland Livestock Professionals Association (PULPA), the event took place at Puntland Development and Research Centre (PDRC) on the 29thApril 2017. The first ever World veterinary day celebration in Puntland was attended by the Ministry of Livestock and Animal Husbandry (MOLAH), Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Health (MoH) and representatives from AUIBAR-ESOLT project, Hirshabelle state Minister for Planning and registered Members of Puntland Livestock Professionals Association (PULPA). Other dignitaries included the Mayor of the Garowe city and a representatives of Puntland non state actors (PUNSA).
In his opening speech , Dr. farah Mahad Farah , PULPA chairman , explained the history of world veterinary day , its importance and roles of veterinarians for safeguarding animal and human health . The chairman also highlighted the roles of his organization (PULPA) for providing better veterinary services in livestock community. He mentioned that, PULPA has achieved a lot since its inception.
In his remarks on this year’s theme “Antimicrobial Resistance: From Awareness to Action”, the chairman mentioned that the Antibiotic resistance is a worldwide problem and the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance limits the therapeutic options for treatment of many infectious diseases for both animals and humans. He pointed out that veterinarians have a key part to play in the fight against antimicrobial resistance, through their role in regulating and supervising the use of antimicrobials, offering professional advice to livestock owners and collaborating with the human health sector institutions like Ministry of Health. He added that, PULPA is planning to carry out several educative activities including radio/TV talk shows, scientific symposia, community outreaches, workshops that highlight the antimicrobial resistance challenge as well as provide guidance to Veterinarians, farmers and the general public.Lastly the chairman thanked AUIBAR-ESOLT project for the financial contributions for this event.