(Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, 27 December 2025) - Celebrating a century-old tradition with a modern mission, Bahir Dar University’s School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM-BDU) and Brooke Ethiopia joined forces to mark World Animal Day under the theme: “Protecting Animal Welfare is Protecting Community and Nature.” The event highlighted a critical shift toward practical veterinary education and community awareness in Ethiopia.

The ceremony was attended by a diverse group of stakeholders, including guests from the Amhara Region Transport Bureau, the Amhara Region Livestock and Fisheries Development Office, and the Animal Health Investigation and Diagnostic Laboratory. Student club representatives and cart horse owners represent the direct link between academic study and community livelihood. The School of Veterinary Medicine Dean, Dr. Yeshwas Ferede, emphasized that animal welfare is a cornerstone of public health, noting that over 60% of human diseases originate from animals. He called for a mindset shift and stronger legal frameworks to ensure food security and safety across the nation.

The partnership between BDU and Brooke Ethiopia is already yielding tangible results. Dr. Gebeyehu Dilnesa from Brooke Ethiopia noted that the collaboration focuses on training the next generation of veterinarians with hands-on skills, specifically targeting the care of working animals in rural and market areas. By equipping future veterinarians with modern skills and raising community awareness on animal housing and nutrition, the partnership aims to create a sustainable livestock system. To put these goals into immediate action, the event featured a vaccination campaign for the surrounding communities, providing essential preventative care to local livestock and working animals. Participants also toured the Veterinary Clinical Skills Laboratory and Animal Welfare and Health Center. This facility marks a milestone for the university, moving veterinary education from traditional lectures to real-world clinical practice.

The celebration concluded with a panel discussion advocating for stronger communication on animal rights, a unified national policy to protect animal health across Ethiopia, and a call for expanded cooperation. Participants who toured the new facilities praised the University for bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. As Bahir Dar University continues to modernize its veterinary programs, the focus remains clear: improving the lives of animals is an essential step toward protecting both the environment and human well-being.

A healthier environment for animals means a healthier future for everyone!
 

By: Dr. Dagmawi Yitbarek, SVM Website Administrator