Message from the Academic Dean

It is with great pride and excitement that I address you as the inaugural Dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM) at Bahir Dar University. On November 7, 2017, the BDU Senate officially approved transforming the former Department of Veterinary Science into the fully established School of Veterinary Medicine. This achievement is the result of hard work and dedication, and the new structure now includes a Vice-Dean and three dynamic departments: Veterinary Biomedical and Para-clinical Sciences, Veterinary Clinical Medicine, and Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health. We are united by a bold vision to establish SVM as a leader in veterinary education and research by 2030, setting new standards of excellence in Ethiopia and beyond.

The opening of the school was celebrated with a memorable inaugural ceremony under the theme "Advancing Veterinary Education and One Health in Action" on December 24, 2024, at the Blue Nile Resort & Spa in Bahir Dar. This event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including academics, researchers, government officials, and NGO partners, who came together to celebrate the beginning of this exciting journey. During the event, we proudly showcased our state-of-the-art Clinical Skills Lab (CSL) and introduced the new Equine Health and Welfare Center, supported by BROOKE Ethiopia. We also unveiled our five-year strategic plan (2022-2027), developed in alignment with Bahir Dar University’s ten-year strategic plan and Ethiopia’s ambitious agricultural development goals. The inaugural ceremony featured thought-provoking keynote and plenary sessions that explored the essential role of veterinary education in advancing Ethiopia’s livestock sector, ensuring food security, and addressing global health challenges through the One Health approach, emphasizing the interconnectedness of animal, human, and environmental health.

SVM has grown significantly in terms of enrollment, now enrolling over 350 students across its two undergraduate programs—Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc)—as well as three postgraduate programs: MVSc in Veterinary Microbiology, MVSc in Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, and MVSc in Veterinary Public Health.

At SVM, we are committed to unlocking the vast potential of Ethiopia's livestock sector by cultivating highly skilled veterinarians, conducting innovative research, and engaging with local communities to improve livestock health and productivity.

Nestled in the beautiful city of Bahir Dar, next to Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile, SVM offers unparalleled opportunities for both national and international collaborations in Animal Health, One Health, and Animal Welfare.

Thank you for your continued support as we work together to shape the future of veterinary education and research.

Sincerely,

Yeshwas Ferede (DVM, MSc)
Dean, School of Veterinary Medicine
Bahir Dar University