Synergy between public health and veterinary services to deliver human and animal health interventions in rural low income settings

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Livestock contribute to the livelihood of at least 70% of the worlds' rural poor.1 In arid and semi-arid ecosystems of sub-Saharan Africa, livestock holders (mobile or settled pastoralists and agro-pastoralists) use vast grazing lands and residuals of crops that otherwise could not be used productively2 Yet, they are marginalised from development processes and vulnerable to exclusion from health services because of their geographical, social, and cultural environment. The weak infrastructure and quality of service in both the public health and veterinary sectors are closely related to resource constraints, especially lack of qualified staff.3 4 Therefore, professionals from the World Health Organisation and UN Food and Agriculture Organisation have suggested that public health and veterinary services should share resources.5 6 Few experiences of joint delivery of services to pastoral communities have been documented.7 We describe the implementation and effects of a joint project in Chad