UVA Gears Up for Mbale Veterinary Scientific Conference
The Uganda Veterinary Association (UVA) is gearing up for an upcoming event in Mbale City that promises to bring together local and international experts in the field of veterinary science. The event, scheduled for late November and December, will feature a range of activities aimed at advancing the knowledge and skills of veterinarians, veterinary paraprofessionals, and livestock farmers.
UVA, in collaboration with its partners, is organizing a three-day program at Mbale Courts View Hotel. The activities planned for the event include a Farmers Engagement and Exhibition, a Scientific Symposium, and the Annual General Meeting of the association.
Over 1000 attendees are expected to participate, and they will have the opportunity to receive training in new technologies relevant to the livestock sector. Pre-conference initiatives will involve outreach efforts to farmers and the vaccination of livestock and pets.
Dr. Obbo Boniface, the General Secretary of UVA, shared the primary objective of the conference, which is to provide a platform for members of the veterinary community, the public, and development partners to engage in open, supportive, and intellectually stimulating discussions about various aspects of veterinary services that contribute to national development.
The conference’s theme is “A People-Centered Veterinary Services for Socio-Economic Transformation.” In addition to the symposium and exhibition, outreach programs are planned as part of the event.
Dr. Obbo encouraged both local and international veterinarians, as well as other stakeholders, to submit abstracts for presentation at the scientific conference before November 15, 2023. Those expected to submit abstracts include government veterinarians, academics, producers, processors, veterinary product dealers, consumers, policymakers, extension workers, researchers, development partners, financial institutions, and community leaders.
Several sub-themes will be addressed during the conference, including Veterinary Services in a Changing Policy Environment, Diagnostics and Genomics, the Adoption of a One Health Approach in Addressing Public Health Emergencies (including Antimicrobial Resistance and Tick Acaricide Resistance), and Animal Disease Surveillance for Preparedness, Prediction, and Planning.