National Veterinary Services (VS) play critical roles in protecting animal health and welfare. They also share responsibilities on public health issues for which a multi-sectoral One Health approach is required, such as zoonosis prevention and control. For these roles, they must ensure veterinary workforce with sufficient numbers and appropriate competencies are in place.
Conducting a workforce assessment involves evaluating trained personnel at various levels to meet identified needs. Members may find that a mix of veterinarians, Veterinary Paraprofessionals (VPPs), and Community/Village Animal Health Workers (CAHW/VAHW) can optimise veterinary service delivery despite constraints. However, using VPPs requires a regulatory framework to define training, qualifications, and registration with a veterinary statutory body.
For countries recognising the need for VPPs or CAHWs, WOAH provides tools to support their legal recognition, training, and professional oversight. These tools include standards for legislation and veterinary statutory bodies, education guidelines, and workforce assessment methodologies, along with programmes to help countries implement these standards effectively.
