Ex-Health Minister Harps On Veterinary Medicine

Former Minister of Health,
Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu says veterinary medicine plays vital role in the prevention and containment of diseases that are threat to public health
He was speaking at Nsukka, when he delivered a lecture titled “Nigeria and Veterinary Profession.The Role of Veterinarian in Public Health.”
The lecture was part of the activities to mark the 2016 Veterinary Week of Association of Veterinary Medical Students, University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN).
“It does not require further analysis to establish that veterinarians have much to contribute to prevention, dictation, and containment of diseases that infect animals that the public consume their meat.
“Veterinarians have always been involved indirectly and often unacknowledged in the management of disease epidemics.
“It will be in the interest and good health of the society if more veterinarians are involved in public health matters, “he said
Chukwu, now a lecturer at the Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, Ebonyi, said it was as result of importance of veterinary medicine that he created Directorate of Veterinary in the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFADAC) during his tenure as minister.
“I took steps to promote one health as well as convince stakeholders in health sector on the importance of veterinary professionals in public health.
“Nigerian needs to join global march towards one health in order to improve public health in the country, “he said.
In his speech the Vice President of African Veterinary Association, Dr Gani Enahoro, described veterinary profession as noble that required hard work and respect of ethics of the profession in order to excel.
“I assure you students that with hard work and discipline you will realise your dream in veterinary medicine profession.
“My thirty years of experience in the profession has made me to understand that veterinary medicine is very important in achieving public health, ‘he said.
The President of Association of Veterinary Students, Mr Hilary Nwanuzuoji, thanked the former minister and the vice president of African Veterinary Association for honouring their invitation.
Nwanozuoji said the association was in need of a 32-seater bus for students’ academic excursion trip as well as N2.5million to stock about 1,000 pullets, 900 broilers and 100 rabbits.