In its mission to enhance the health and welfare of small companion animals globally, the WSAVA Vaccination Committee has embarked on an ambitious project focusing on sub-Saharan Africa. This initiative, launched in 2023 and supported by MSD Animal Health, aims to better understand infectious diseases in the region’s small animals and to provide evidence-based vaccination recommendations to practitioners.
The three-year project (2023-2026) is a cornerstone of WSAVA’s commitment to supporting veterinarians worldwide. As part of the initiative, the Vaccination Committee visited five countries, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, and Kenya in October 2024. These visits included meetings with veterinary professionals, local association representatives, and key opinion leaders, alongside tours of veterinary practices in each country.
Dr. Mary Marcondes, Chair of the WSAVA Vaccination Committee, emphasized the significance of this initiative: “Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to combat infectious diseases in dogs and cats. By understanding regional challenges and needs, we can tailor our recommendations to have the greatest impact on companion animal health. This project underscores our dedication to providing global veterinary support.”
During their visits, the committee engaged with practitioners through targeted Continuing Education (CE) events. Topics ranged from foundational principles of vaccination to specific canine and feline vaccination protocols. These sessions also served as platforms to present the results of a comprehensive questionnaire distributed to small animal practitioners before the visits.
This initiative highlights WSAVA’s dedication to advancing veterinary medicine worldwide. By adapting vaccination strategies to address the unique challenges of sub-Saharan Africa, the Vaccination Committee is not only enhancing the health of small companion animals but also fostering a stronger, more resilient veterinary community.
The Vaccination Committee is generously supported by our partner MSD Animal Health.
