This year’s theme, “Veterinarians are essential health workers,” underlines their diverse contributions beyond animal care.
“Veterinarians are often unseen activists in safeguarding public health,” stated Dr. Mohamed Ijas, President of Sri Lanka Veterinary Association.
“To mark World Veterinary Day, we aim to raise awareness of the diverse ways veterinarians contribute to the well-being of animals, humans, environment and the role in ‘’One Health’’ concept.
Their crucial contribution in ensuring public health, and by promoting a deeper understanding of their diverse contributions, we can foster a healthier future for all.”
“World Veterinary Day’’ is celebrated on the last Saturday of April every year and highlights the importance of veterinarians in preventing zoonotic diseases - those transmissible from animals to humans.
As veterinarians are equipped with a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, this collaborative approach “One Health’’ concept is crucial for preventing communicable disease outbreaks, epidemics, and pandemics, thus promoting global health to ensure overall well-being of human population.
The campaign further emphasised the role of veterinarians in food security.
Veterinarians are key players in ensuring food safety, by overseeing animal production practices, supply chain of food of animal origin, to ensure safety and quality of meat, milk, and eggs consumed by the public.
This guarantees human nutrition and prevent diseases that are transmitted through food of animal origin thus it is apparent veterinarians are key players in maintaining a healthy population.
The human-animal bond was another key area addressed by the Sri Lanka Veterinary Associations.
Veterinarians contribute to ensure mental health and human well-being by ensuring the health of pet animals like dogs, cats, rabbits, Guinea pigs and fish etc.
Studies have shown that having a pet animal in lonely environment can significantly improve mental health, particularly for seniors and patients.
Protecting biodiversity was also a focus of the campaign.
Veterinarians play a crucial role in preventing animal extinction, including wildlife species.
This helps maintain biodiversity, creating a healthier environment for all.
The campaign highlighted the link between a healthy environment and human health.
Public health education is another major area where veterinarians have influence.
The SLVA campaign emphasised the role veterinarians play in educating the public on preventive healthcare for animals, including vaccinations and parasite control.
They also advocate for responsible antimicrobial use in animals to minimise drug resistance, which has public health implications for humans.