By: Kebba Ansu Manneh
Dr. Kebba Daffeh, President of the Gambia Veterinary Medical Association (GVMA), renewed his urgent call to establish a School of Veterinary Science and Medicine at the University of The Gambia (UTG).
Speaking at a daylong seminar held at the Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust Headquarters in Makasoutou to mark World Veterinary Day, Dr. Daffeh highlighted the country’s dire shortage of veterinary professionals and the pressing need for action.
Dr. Daffeh, a prominent animal welfare advocate, emphasized the critical state of veterinary services in The Gambia, noting that only three veterinary doctors are currently employed by the government. “This is unacceptable,” he stated, referencing the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Performance of Veterinary Services (PVS) Report of 2009 and the GAP Analysis Report of 2012, which recommend a minimum of 25 veterinary doctors to meet international standards. He warned that without a veterinary school, the country would struggle to replace aging professionals and address regional needs, including ensuring a veterinary presence in every region and at abattoirs.
“I am once again calling on the attention of the Government and the University Governing Council to consider the establishment of a School of Veterinary Science and Medicine at UTG,” Dr. Daffeh declared. “There is no better time than now, and we want to assure the authorities that GVMA and partners are ready to help in any way possible to realize this goal.” This plea echoes his call on March 31, 2025, when he described the shortage as “alarming” and needing urgent action.
The seminar brought together stakeholders from the veterinary sector to discuss challenges and opportunities in animal health and welfare. Dr. Daffeh underscored the GVMA’s objectives, which include promoting animal health standards, advocating for the veterinary profession, and providing continuing education for its members. He expressed concern that the shortage of veterinarians undermines The Gambia’s capacity to manage animal health effectively and prevent disease outbreaks, which could have severe economic and public health implications.
Dr. Bakary N. Touray, a respected elder in the veterinary profession, provided historical context, highlighting the significant contributions of Gambian veterinarians to the country’s socioeconomic development. He cited their pivotal roles in eradicating rinderpest and controlling Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia. Dr. Touray also warned of emerging global threats, such as Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, which require a One-Health approach integrating human, animal, and environmental health. He paid tribute to Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara, The Gambia’s former president and a veterinarian by profession, for his legacy in the field.
Representatives from the Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust, including Miss Stella Jagne, Lamin Ceesay, and Future Vets’ Malick Gaye, also addressed the seminar, reinforcing the need for enhanced veterinary education and infrastructure. The discussions underscored the broader implications of a robust veterinary sector, from ensuring food security to safeguarding public health through disease prevention.
The call for a veterinary school comes at a critical juncture, as The Gambia grapples with limited resources to combat zoonotic diseases and maintain animal health standards. Dr. Daffeh’s advocacy highlights the need for long-term investment in education to build a sustainable workforce capable of meeting international benchmarks. Stakeholders at the seminar expressed hope that the government and UTG would prioritize this initiative, with the GVMA pledging technical and collaborative support to bring the vision to fruition.
