The College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (CVMBS) recently had a distinct honor of hosting the Vet Books for Africa team during their remarkable visit at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA). The team arrived at CVMBS on the 20th of December, 2024; bringing with them an extensive collection of veterinary textbooks, reference materials and other veterinary supplies to be used at the college. These resources, meticulously curated to meet academic and professional requirements of veterinary education, promise to enhance the learning environment for students and faculty alike.
During the official handover event Dr. Augustino Chengula, expressed profound gratitude to the team on behalf of the principal and college members for their generous contribution as well as commitment to advancing the quality of veterinary education in Tanzania.
Vet Books for Africa is a student-led initiative founded at the University of Pretoria, South Africa. Their mission is to address educational disparities in veterinary medicine by delivering books and other resources to veterinary institutions across Africa. Through their outreach activities, the team fosters capacity building and enhances professional competence of future veterinarians, contributing to overall advancement of the profession.
In this year’s edition, the team also toured CVMBS facilities, including lecture halls, where they engaged with 4th year Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (BVM) students. Through a very interactive session, the team shared their inspiring journey, mission, and impact of their work in promoting veterinary education across the continent. These exchanges highlighted shared similarities, challenges and aspirations for veterinary students in Africa, fostering a sense of unity and mutual commitment to advancing the veterinary profession. The team’s emphasis on the One Health One Africa concept resonated deeply, emphasizing interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health across the continent.
Speaking on their behalf, Niel Van Wyk, the 2024 committee chairman stressed on the need to include even younger generations in efforts to create awareness on the One Health concept. The event also laid groundwork for potential future collaborations aimed at formalizing partnerships, but also strengthening veterinary education and research across Africa.
CVMBS extends its heartfelt appreciation to the Vet Books for Africa team for their selfless efforts and unwavering dedication to the advancement of veterinary education. This partnership not only enriches our academic resources but also inspires our students and faculty to contribute meaningfully to the broader goals of veterinary science and One Health. The donated material will assist in strengthening the college and university’s repository of knowledge, support not only academic coursework but also innovative research initiatives aimed at addressing pressing challenges in animal health and welfare.
Looking ahead, CVMBS is eager to explore further avenues for collaboration with Vet Books for Africa and similar initiatives to continue driving progress in veterinary education.
