"It was great honour and privilege to be invited and officiate at the Veterinary Association of Zambia general meeting here in Livingstone.

Under the theme 'Veterinarian are Essential Health Workers' we stressed on the importance of these veterinarians on our people, animals, the environment and the economy at large.

We believe that the health and welfare of animals is intertwined with the health and welfare of humans, hence the important roles of veterinary practitioners in research, disease diagnosis and extension services.

We indicated that as a country, we need to be proactive in addressing livestock diseases if we are to take advantage of the huge economic benefits from this subsector.

We therefore challenged our professionals in this sector to heighten surveillance and enhanced disease control and research, so we can become net exporters of animal products.

On our as government, we shall prioritise the construction and rehabilitation livestock supporting infrastructure.

We remain at the disposal of these institutions to drive a common agenda."

Hakainde Hichilema
President of the Republic of Zambia 🇿🇲