title: The contribution of veterinary medicine to public health and poverty reduction in developing countries.
abstract: Few studies have explicitly examined the linkages between human health, animal disease control and poverty alleviation. This paper reviews the contribution that veterinary medicine can make to poverty alleviation in sub-Saharan Africa. Our analysis attempts to explore aspects of this contribution under five themes: food production; food safety; impact and control of zoonotic infections; promotion of ecotourism; and environmental protection. While these areas of human activity have, more or less, fallen under the influence of the veterinary profession to varying degrees, we attempt to unify this mandate using a 'One Health' narrative, for the purpose of providing clarity on the linkages between the veterinary and other professions, livestock production and poverty alleviation. Future opportunities for improving health and reducing poverty in the context of developing African countries are also discussed. We conclude that veterinary science is uniquely positioned to play a key role in both poverty reduction and the promotion of health, a role that can be enhanced through the reorientation of the profession's goals and the creation of synergies with allied and related professions.
authors: Department of Disease Control, University of Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 32379 Lusaka, Zambia.
authors: John B
authors: JB
authors: Muma
authors: Kennedy K
authors: KK
authors: Mwacalimba
authors: Hetron M
authors: HM
authors: Munang'andu
authors: Gift
authors: G
authors: Matope
authors: Akinbowale
authors: A
authors: Jenkins
authors: Victor
authors: V
authors: Siamudaala
authors: Aaron S
authors: AS
authors: Mweene
authors: Tanguy
authors: T
authors: Marcotty
mesh_terms: D017954:Africa South of the Sahara; D000818:Animals; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D003906:Developing Countries; D059022:Food Safety; D006801:Humans; D011203:Poverty / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011634:Public Health; D014195:Travel; D014730:Veterinary Medicine; D015047:Zoonoses / Q000517:prevention & control