By Bianca Iboma-Emefu
The president of Nigeria Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Dr. Moses Arokoyo, has expressed concern over the exclusion of veterinary practices from funding by the federal government, warning of health risk following the Veterinary Council’s exclusion from the budget.
Arokoyo disclosed this during the official launch of the “SmartDVM” app in Lagos recently, with the theme: “Elevating Veterinary Management for Every Practice.”
He noted that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is predicted to put 10 million lives at risk yearly by 2050.
He stressed the recent exclusion of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria by the federal government from national health regulators was ill advised and posed a national public health risk to over 200 million Nigerian.
Arokoyo said stakeholders in the veterinary and animal health industry were managing and addressing the risk of diseases that can affect human health yet government have removed them from funding placing a lot of Nigerians in a dicey situation.
He argued that veterinary play a crucial role in preventing the spread of diseases from animals to humans, and that they should be included in funding efforts to address these risks.
“Seventy five per cent of emerging and re-emerging human diseases originate from animals, making zoo noses a global focal point.
He stressed that this decision could undermine the veterinary community’s efforts in combating the use of fake drugs in animals, disregarding withdrawal times.
“It also means increased consumption of meat laden with drug residues by the human population, leading to increased incidence of cancer cases, as well as antimicrobial resistance and ultimately increased deaths,” Arokoyo explained.
According to Arokoyo, a more effective way to protect Nigerians’ health and lives is through collaboration between medical professionals and veterinarians.
He emphasized that in the global context of public health; Nigeria cannot afford to disregard the One-Health approach.
While acknowledging the government Arokoyo therefore advised that the Veterinary Council of Nigeria be included among the national health regulators considered for funding to safeguard public health.
On her part, President of Veterinary Council of Nigeria, (VCN) AIG Aisha Abubakar Baju pointed out to the concept of One Health, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, as a reason veterinary practices should be included in funding for disease management.
Baju said by excluding veterinary practices from funding, creates a significant gap in addressing the potential risks and consequences of zoonotic diseases, which are diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans.
Additionally, she said in the veterinary and animal health industry, investing in the practices and preventative measures can ultimately save costs in the long run by preventing outbreaks of diseases that can have significant public health and economic implications.
She urged federal government to reconsider their decision excluding veterinary practices from funding for managing the risk of diseases that can affect human health, and should recognize the important role that veterinary practices play in promoting and protecting public health.
Meanwhile the CEO SmartDVM initiative, Dr Olayinka Adeyanju said that the SmartDVM is a technological company that works with Veterinarians and Veterinary practices.
SmartDVM is a comprehensive software solution that encompasses everything from electronic patient care records to complete.
Adeyanju states that it is where innovation meets compassion in the world of veterinary management. It is tailored to meet your unique needs. “Our commitment is to empower you with solutions that redefine efficiency and elevate the quality of care for your furry patients.”