Collaboration aids development of Veterinary Paraprofessionals to support farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. Experts from across the School have contributed to a project led by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The Empowering Veterinary Paraprofessional Entrepreneurs project offers blended learning and develops training to veterinary paraprofessionals (VPP) in sub-Saharan Africa. VPPs play a crucial role in delivering animal health services to rural communities that lack access to veterinarians. Increased demand for livestock-based products has seen a growing dependence on this expertise. Training gap The FAO identified training gaps, a lack of ongoing support for VPPs, and a need for improved gender equality. Two-thirds of low-income livestock farmers are women, yet only 5 per cent of agricultural extensions, including animal health services reach them. Empowering change This project provides a gender-responsive structure around three key pillars: Development of a supportive environment, competency recognition, and continuous professional development. Students acquire the tools and knowledge to build livestock health strategies and challenge the misconception that the primary role of VPPs is to provide reactionary care to sick animals. Graduates are equipped, and supported, to offer tangible benefits with service packages that are focused on disease prevention and improved productivity. Empowering Veterinary Paraprofessional Entrepreneurs One Health framework Colleagues from across the School have lent their subject-specific and educational expertise to provide technical guidance and mentorship. Dr Rob Kelly, Lecturer in Veterinary Parasitology, led the involvement in the project and was joined by Neil Sargison, Professor of Farm Animal Practice, as consultants in the development of educational material. Dr Kelly is a clinical academic with a focus on assessing the impact of parasitic diseases in animal populations and the application of pragmatic control measures. He has a PhD in infectious diseases in livestock epidemiology in sub-Saharan Africa and is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Rosie Herrington, a Clinical Research Fellow at the School has worked since the inception of the project. As a consultant to the FAO, Rosie supported the initial scoping and design of the learning materials, the construction of online components and impact assessment in the field. This collaboration will continue as the project evolves to assess the impact of VPP training and produce peer-reviewed publications. The strength and diversity of knowledge provided to the project demonstrates the School’s capacity as a world leader in One Health, and our commitment to achieving the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. Publication date 03 Apr, 2025
