Africa-Press – Uganda. Every year on the last Saturday of April, we join the rest of the world to celebrate the World Veterinary Day in honor of the critical role veterinarians play in safeguarding animal health, human wellbeing, and ecosystem health.
As the world races to achieve the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), veterinarians emerge as unsung heroes, bridging the gap between animal welfare, public health, and ecosystem health.
Their work, rooted in the One Health framework, directly contributes to at least 10 of the 17 SDGs. As we celebrate this year’s World Veterinary Daywith the theme; “Animal health takes a team”, I wish to discuss the roles played by veterinarians in driving progress towards building a sustainable future for all, ensuring thriving ecosystems, sustainable agrifood systems, food security, and global healthIn line with this year’s theme,
Veterinarians play a central role in promoting the One Health approach which recognises that the health of animals, humans and ecosystems is deeply interconnected and interdependent.
Veterinarians are uniquely positioned to address threats posed by zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and climate change through the lensof one health.
For instance, we are aware that more than 60% of emerging infectious diseases originate from animals. Through disease surveillance, wildlife health monitoring, improving livestock biosecurity and advocating for responsible antimicrobial use, veterinarians mitigate disease spillover risks, directly supporting SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).
In addition, Veterinarians leverage their expertise to promote sustainable livestock production, ensure availability of good quality and safe animal source food and combat malnutrition especially among children thereby contributing to the key pillars of SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).
Veterinarians promote livestock health and productivity of which livestock contributes about 40% of agricultural gross domestic product (GDP) among countries that rely majorly on agriculture and provides essential nutrients to over 1 billion people.
Disease prevention in livestock reduces production losses (approximately by 20% annually) thereby lowering greenhouse gas emissions and advancing SDG 13 (Climate Action).
Furthermore, innovations in veterinary medicine, such as vaccines and precision nutrition, enhance livestock productivity while reducing greenhouse gas emissions consequently contributing to SDG 13.
The livestock sector manned by veterinarians employs 1 in 6 people globally, generating $1.27 trillion annually which is equivalent to the world’s 15th largest economy.
By improving animal health, veterinarians strengthen livelihoods, particularly in low-income regions where livestock ownership is a proven pathway out of poverty (SDG 1).
For example, research has shown that access to veterinary care could increase milk yields by up to 300% within the sub-Saharan Africa, enhancing household income and gender equity, as women often manage livestock (SDG 5: Gender equality).
Furthermore, wildlife tourism, which accounts for 80% of Africa’s tourism revenue, relies on veterinarians to maintain healthy animal populations and combat poaching.
This aligns with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), demonstrating how animal health underpins sustainable economies.
Veterinarians support and promote the health of both terrestrial and aquatic animals thereby contributing to SDGs 14 (Life below Water) and 15 (Life on Land).
Similarly, veterinarians play an important role in rehabilitating wildlife, combating illegal wildlife trade, and restoring habitats.
For instance, during natural disasters like landslides, flooding etc, veterinarians lead rescue operations to save lives of affected animal species.
With increasing biodiversity loss driven by habitat destruction and climate change, the work of veterinarians especially those involved in biodiversity conservation will remain crucial for the restoration of global ecosystems.
Veterinarians also promote the concept of clean energy consumption by promoting technologies such as biogas production from wastes generated on farms including the promotion of solar powered water systems for production.
Therefore, veterinarians directly contribute to SDGs 6 (Clean Water), SDG 7 (clean energy) and 12 (Responsible Consumption).
Lastly, Veterinarians are educators, training farmers, veterinary paraprofessionals, policymakers and communities in concepts such as animal health promotion, public health, sustainable animal production practices, one health, etc (SDG 4).
The 2025 World Veterinary Day presents a special occasion to celebrate veterinarians as lead architects of a sustainable future we all dream about.
Their work transcends animal health, touching every facet of human and planetary health. From contributing to eradicating hunger to conserving biodiversity, veterinarians have proved that the well-being of animals is inseparable from that of humans and their shared environment.
As the 2030 SDG deadline approaches, the leadership of veterinarians in One Health, research, innovation, and education remains essential.
By supporting veterinary professionals through funding, policy integration, and public awareness of their great contributions to global health, we honor their legacy and accelerate progress towards the attainment of a thriving and more equitable world. For God and My Country,Dr. Joseph Byaruhanga (JB)Member, Uganda Veterinary Association (UVA)
Source: Nilepost News
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