World Veterinary Day was celebrated in the conference room of the MINEPIA regional delegation for the Centre region on April 29, 2023, under the theme of “promoting diversity, equity and inclusiveness in the veterinary profession”.

This year, the Ordre National Vétérinaire focused on the diversity of animal health services on offer, taking gender into account in the implementation of public policies, and improving access to animal health services in rural areas through support for young veterinarians setting up in private practice, initiated by the State.

As part of its drive to improve veterinary services, the Cameroonian government has supported 100 young vets to set up in private practice, including 24 women. “We have 19% female veterinarians, which proves that gender issues are taken into account. And as far as people with reduced mobility are concerned, these needs are also taken into account in the construction of public buildings, to give them easy access to veterinary services”, emphasized the Director of Veterinary Services, Dr Garga GONNE, representing the Minister during this celebration. For Albert ICHAKOU, President of the National Order of Veterinarians of Cameroon, there are still challenges to be met in order to improve the profession. “We at the National Order of Veterinarians of Cameroon, with the support of the Ministry of Livestock, are committed to working towards greater integration of young girls. We made a very big leap in 2018, it was at 9% and today we are at 19%. The aim is to improve this figure. We have 48% of young people who are less than 10 years old in practice, whether in the public or private sector,” asserted the president of the Order.

This celebration, rich in exchanges, saw the massive participation of veterinarians under the watchful eye of the Secretary General of MINEPIA, Mr. JAJI MANU GIDADO.