Rwanda’s veterinarians and animal scientists have been urged to uphold their professional ethics and play key role in transforming the country’s livestock industry and adreesing challenges to sustainable development.

The call was made on December 04, 2019, during the launch of the 1st Annual Rwandan Scientific Conference that took place in Kigali from the 4th to 5th December 2019. It was organized by Rwanda Council of Veterinary Doctors (RCVD) in collaboration with partners and stakeholders.

The 2-day conference was organized under the theme:“The Role of Veterinarians and Animal Scientists in addressing challenges to sustainable development;” which goes a long way to recognize the relevance of information and skills of professionals in the livestock sector and recent advancement in science and technological innovations.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), Dr. Rutagwenda Theogene highlighted the benefits that the conference provides with all veterinarians and animal scientists including as a platform for researchers to showcase their innovations as well as foster interaction amongst professionals. “This conference also provides young scientists an opportunity to be inspired and to learn from more experienced vets in different fields,” he said.

The conference has brought together veterinarians and animal scientists as well as other key industry stakeholders in acknowledging the role of scientific research to address various challenges faced by the livestock sector in Rwanda and across the East Africa region and beyond.

Through paper presentations and discussions on selected animal health, animal welfare and production subject matters, the veterinarians and animal scientists shared knowledge and exchange new ideas contributing towards much desired continuous professional development.