Zimbabwe’s veterinary training and disease response capacity received a handover of a US$13 000 Clinical Skills Centre at Mazowe Veterinary College yesterday.
The facility, donated by Working Animals International and AWARE Trust, was officially handed over by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development, Obert Jiri.
Jiri said the new centre would play a key role in improving practical veterinary training and enhancing Zimbabwe’s preparedness against livestock diseases that threaten national food security and economic growth.
“Zimbabwe’s veterinary capacity has received a major boost today through the establishment of this Clinical Skills Centre at Mazowe Veterinary College,” said Jiri.
He said the facility would strengthen the country’s ability to train veterinary personnel equipped with modern clinical and disease management skills.
“This centre will strengthen training in disease surveillance, biosecurity and rapid response, especially at a time when the country is facing ongoing Foot and Mouth Disease outbreaks,” he added.
Jiri noted that livestock production remains a strategic pillar in Zimbabwe’s agricultural transformation agenda and the attainment of Vision 2030.
“The livestock sector contributes significantly to household incomes, national food security and rural industrialisation.
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Investments in veterinary education and disease control systems are therefore investments in the country’s economic resilience,” he said.
He commended Working Animals International and AWARE Trust for partnering Government in improving veterinary infrastructure and capacity building.
“We greatly appreciate the support from our development partners who continue to complement Government efforts in modernising agricultural institutions and strengthening animal health systems,” said Jiri.
The Permanent Secretary said strengthening veterinary systems was essential in safeguarding livestock markets and preventing economic losses caused by animal diseases.
“Effective disease surveillance and biosecurity systems are central to protecting our national herd and ensuring sustainable livestock production,” he said.
The facility is also expected to improve Zimbabwe’s capacity to respond swiftly to transboundary animal diseases while enhancing the country’s broader agricultural resilience agenda.
