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Government has challenged the Zambia Institute of Animal Health (ZIAH) to strengthen innovation, expand strategic partnerships and produce a skilled workforce capable of driving trade and investment in Zambia’s livestock sector.
Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Permanent Secretary, Dr. Max Choombe said Zambia’s ambition to expand livestock exports depended on a healthy national herd supported by competent animal health professionals and modern diagnostic systems.
He said this during the combined graduation ceremonies for Veterinary Assistants, Laboratory Assistants and Veterinary Technicians, Choombe, in a speech delivered by his Director of Human Resource and Administration, Frederick Mwila.
The ceremony held under the theme “Fostering Trade and Investment,” saw 130 graduates awarded qualifications, comprising 48 Diploma graduates in Animal Health and Production, 64 Certificate graduates in Animal Health and Production, and 18 Certificate graduates in Laboratory Diagnostics.
Choombe said meaningful trade and investment can only thrive through a livestock sector free from animal diseases, supported by improved production practices and strong diagnostic systems.
He urged the graduates to become champions of disease prevention, livestock productivity and public health, and to support Government’s efforts to transform the livestock sector into a key driver of national economic growth.
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“I wish to commend ZIAH for modernising its curriculum through the introduction of aquatic animal health and bee health programmes, innovations which are critical to agricultural diversification and the future needs of the sector,” Choombe stated.
To address challenges facing the institution, Choombe announced that the Ministry was pursuing key interventions, including strengthening academic and administrative staffing, expanding training through satellite institutes, promoting Public-Private Partnerships to improve student accommodation, installing solar power infrastructure and upgrading laboratories and training facilities.
He reaffirmed government’s commitment to transforming ZIAH into a fully-fledged public university and regional centre of excellence by 2030 while supporting investments that will contribute to achieving the national target of US$1 billion in annual beef exports by 2031.
ZIAH Principal, Dr. Kaluba Chibango, said the graduates would play a key role in advancing climate-smart livestock production and strengthening Zambia’s livestock sector, noting that a skilled workforce was vital to achieving a productive and resilient Fisheries and Livestock sector.
Chibango urged the graduates to use their acquired knowledge and skills to strengthen livestock production, facilitate trade and investment, and contribute meaningfully to Zambia’s socio-economic development.
“I wish to thank the government for its continued support and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to producing competent animal health professionals while advancing its vision of becoming a regional centre of excellence,” he said.
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