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Revolutionary Livestock Health Initiative Launched in Kenya

 Cape Town, South Africa - The congress marks a groundbreaking step towards transforming livestock farming and veterinary care worldwide. Announced at the 39th annual World Veterinary Association Congress in Cape Town, the "Connected Care" Technology Program promises to revolutionize the global food supply chain's safety, security, and resilience.

In an unprecedented collaboration, VetNOW and the Global Alliance for Livestock Medicines (GALVmed) have joined forces, backed by major grants from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

This innovative platform aims to strengthen connections and support between livestock farmers, veterinarians, and veterinary paraprofessionals (VPPs), beginning with rural communities in Kenya. By providing vital resources on disease prevention, animal care, record-keeping, and regulatory compliance, the program seeks to empower farmers and enhance livestock health.

In a media statement issued by Senior Communications Manager, Beatrice Ouma, it states that the first phase of implementation is scheduled to launch in Kenya in August 2024, paving the way for a comprehensive rollout across Africa.

GALVmed, a UK-based non-profit, is committed to developing impactful livestock health solutions, while VetNOW, headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (USA), specializes in digital health technology for global veterinary care.

To accelerate adoption and knowledge-sharing, VetNOW has partnered with the Africa Veterinary Technicians Association (AVTA) and the National Animal Disease Information Service (NADIS). AVTA, with over 130,000 members across 18 African countries, including 11,000 in Kenya, focuses on improving VPP practices. NADIS brings decades of expertise in disease surveillance and animal health knowledge transfer.

Dr. Apryle Horbal, founder and CEO of VetNOW, expressed excitement about the program's potential: "Empowering farmers, vets, and VPPs with accessible technology is our mission. Partnering with GALVmed, AVTA, and NADIS allows us to make meaningful strides towards a safer and more sustainable food supply."

With only 2,000 veterinary surgeons and 12,000 VPPs serving over 7 million livestock farmers in Kenya, the need for improved livestock care is urgent.

Enrique Hernández Pando, GALVmed’s Head of Commercial Development & Impact, emphasized the significance of the partnership: "This collaboration will greatly accelerate GALVmed's mission to enhance livestock health access for small-scale producers."

This transformative initiative promises to reshape livestock health management and secure food supply chains for a healthier, more sustainable future.



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