LAHORE (06-10-26): Delegation from Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations Regional Office Bangkok led by Senior Animal Health & Production Officer Dr Scott Newman along with Regional Wildlife Specialist Dr Zachary Dvornickyraymond and Project Coordinator FAO Country office Islamabad Dr Riasat Wasee Ullah visited the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) Lahore and called on Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Masood Rabbani.
Meanwhile a meeting was held in UVAS and Prof Dr Masood Rabbani presided over the meeting and participants discussed to identify the priority competencies, institutional needs and practical mechanisms required to strengthen the capacity of wildlife and environment professionals to detect, assess and respond to health risks at the human–animal–ecosystem interface and to participate effectively in Pakistan’s One Health system.
While addressing the meeting participants, Prof Dr Masood Rabbani willing to collaborate with FAO delegation regarding the training of wildlife veterinary field professionals and for the update of DVM curriculum according to modern day need to meet international standards as well. Earlier, Prof Dr Masood Rabbani welcome them in UVAS and he showed university video documentary to give an overview of UVAS academic, research, development interventions, student strength and collaboration with national and international institutions etc.
Dr Scott Newman gave a detailed presentation on the Introduction of FAO’s global tool 3 to 4 month FTP-WEBE (Frontline Training Program for Wildlife, Environment, Biodiversity and Ecosystems) to strengthen capacity in service field professionals and to support national one health implementation. He highlighted pandemic preparedness and response through operationalizing one health approach in Pakistan, taking one health from good to great, national biodiversity strategy and action plan, one health challenges and FTP-WEBE (training goals, material, curriculum and expected outcomes).
Few senior faculty members from different departments of UVAS including Principal Officer Ravi Campus Prof Dr Khalid Mehmood Anjum, Department of Livestock Management Dr Muhammad Qamar Shahid, Department of Wildlife and Ecology Dr Rehan Ul Haq, Department of Environmental Sciences Dr Fareeha Arooj, Director Veterinary Academy Dr Asif Awan and Director Students Affairs Dr Muhammad Oneeb were present in the meeting.
