World Veterinary Day: Increasing Access to Veterinary Care and Animal Welfare Services to Diverse Communities in Kenya
World Veterinary Day is celebrated annually on the 29th of April to honor the contributions of veterinarians around the world toward animal health and welfare. In Kenya, access to veterinary care and animal welfare services remains a challenge for many communities, especially those living in rural areas. On this World Veterinary Day, we aim to highlight the importance of increasing access to veterinary care and animal welfare services to diverse communities in Kenya.
Kenya has a rich diversity of livestock, that include cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, camelids, equines, poultry, aquatic, apiaries and wildlife amongst others. These animals are vital to the country’s economy and provide food security to millions of people. However, despite their importance, they have limited access to veterinary care. According to a study conducted by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, only 20% of livestock owners in Kenya have access to veterinary care.
One of the main reasons for limited access to veterinary care in Kenya is the shortage of veterinarians, especially in rural areas. The majority of veterinary professionals are concentrated in urban areas, leaving rural areas with inadequate access to veterinary care. Moreover, veterinary care is often expensive, making it unaffordable for many farmers and livestock owners.
Further, there is a continued lack of awareness among livestock owners about the importance of veterinary care. Many livestock owners are not aware of the benefits of regular veterinary check-ups or the importance of vaccinations. As a result, they may not seek veterinary care until their animals are critically ill, making treating them more challenging and expensive.
To address the challenges facing veterinary care in Kenya, there is a need to increase accessibility to veterinary care and animal welfare services to diverse communities. One way to achieve this is through the deployment of mobile veterinary clinics. These clinics can travel to remote areas, providing veterinary services to livestock owners who would otherwise not have access to such services.
In addition to the deployment of mobile veterinary clinics, there is also a need to increase awareness among livestock owners about the importance of veterinary care. “We have taken the initiative to educate farmers on the benefits of regular veterinary check-ups, the importance of vaccinations, and how to prevent common livestock diseases. This has helped them to improve animal health and welfare and increase productivity, contributing to economic growth and food security.” Says Dr. Judy Kimaru, Director, of Eco Clubs of Kenya.
It is also essential that veterinary professionals in Kenya partner with local communities to promote animal welfare. This can include the establishment of animal welfare groups or clubs that can educate local communities on animal welfare and promote responsible animal ownership. These groups can also monitor and report cases of animal abuse or neglect, helping to ensure that animal welfare laws are enforced.
In conclusion, access to veterinary care and animal welfare services is essential for ensuring the health and welfare of animals and promoting the diversity, equity, and inclusiveness of the veterinary profession in Kenya. By increasing access to veterinary care and animal welfare services to diverse communities, we can improve animal health and welfare, promote responsible animal ownership, and contribute to economic growth and food security. This World Veterinary Day, let us work towards ensuring that all animals in Kenya have access to veterinary care and animal welfare services.