Public-Private Partnership Improves Veterinary Regulations in Burkina Faso
In Burkina Faso, livestock and animal husbandry producers rely on essential veterinary services to strengthen animal health, producer livelihoods, and incomes. To create a more robust veterinary enabling environment and improve enforcement of Burkina Faso’s law 048-2017/AN governing animal health and veterinary professions, key public and private sector institutions convened for a workshop organized by the National Order of Veterinarians of Burkina Faso (ONV-BF) with support from the Feed the Future-funded USAID Yidgiri Activity, implemented by Cultivating New Frontiers in Agriculture (CNFA).
From May 10-11, 2021, in Korsimoro, Centre Nord region, the workshop brought together 20 participants, including representatives of the Ministry of Animal Resources, ONV-BF, and the Collective of Private Veterinarians (COVEP). The participants examined the results of a study done by the group on challenges faced by veterinarians across the country and proposed solutions to increase respect for animal health regulations that mitigate these challenges.
Attendees then identified immediate priorities for the group, including monetary penalties to strengthen the enforcement of animal health laws and letters informing key agricultural sector apex organizations of the importance of these animal and veterinary public health policies. The workshop also passed resolutions to organize meetings with agricultural sector actors and distribute the texts of these regulations to relevant professionals, raising awareness of animal health regulations.
The Minister of Animal Resources and Halieutics, Dr. Tegwendé Modeste Yerbanga, presided over the workshop’s opening ceremony and acknowledged USAID Yidgiri’s initiative in convening the workshop. Continuing its support for the country’s animal health sector, USAID Yidgiri will organize another workshop to craft complementary materials that further expand veterinary regulations. Together, these solutions will strengthen the enforcement of veterinary health laws, boost awareness of animal and veterinary public health, and build the capacity of veterinary professionals to bolster Burkinabe livestock’s productivity and animal husbandry producers’ livelihoods and incomes.
