Over 60% of the national population lives in rural areas where animals are indispensable for their livelihood and access to food. Many farmers in these areas depend on animals as the main source of income. For numerous households, animals are also the best means to preserve the necessary resources to cope with agricultural crises, to exit poverty, or to help to keep the soil fertile and provide traction for ploughing and transport.
As our national human population is growing by about 1.5% per annum, it is also estimated that the world population will reach 9.7 billion people by 2050 and the demand for animal protein and by-products will grow respectively. By preventing and controlling animal diseases, veterinarians play a crucial role in securing sufficient and safe high-quality food, improving the health and welfare of people and animals. They contribute to ensure the existence of sufficient resources for future generations by supporting the development of sustainable, responsible and efficient livestock production systems. Furthermore, the veterinary profession is responsible for the control and inspection of animal products at all stages “from farm to fork” to guarantee safe food to the world’s population. The profession also positively impacts a wide range of employment fields that deliver services for the benefit of society and all animals. These activities therefore contribute to the achievement of national commitments to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals such as poverty, zero hunger, good health and economic growth.
Veterinarians therefore serve in Government where they are mainly involved in disease and pest detection, prevention, control as well as in the provision sanitary safety assurances for traded goods. Others are in education and training, while some provide sevices in the private sector