After independence, one of the great challenges facing our new African states was the development of agriculture. Specific skills were needed to match these needs, as well as training courses that took into account realities on the field, be they geographical, climatic or socio-cultural. To this end, regarding livestock issues, the Interstate School of Veterinary Sciences and Medicine of Dakar (EISMV), was established in 1968 to train veterinary surgeons for its member states. More than 1,000 veterinary doctors have since graduated and now contribute, through their many activities, to the development of the continent.
Now more than ever, issues related to animal production and animal health deserve the attention of governments and global economic stakeholders. The recent outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1 or bird-flu) highlighted the costs of animal diseases, both in economical terms and in human lives. The growth of international trade of livestock and animal products has exponentially increased the risk of new diseases spreading from one country or one continent to another.
Addressing these issues calls for of a high level of competence among veterinary services in the broadest sense of the term. These include both national official veterinarians and private practitioners, but also drug wholesalers and all other areas in which vets intervene and for which they are trained by EISMV.
To respond to these challenges and the demands of globalization, EISMV developed a strategic plan, approved by the Board in November 2008, which reflects the commitment of all parties, both internal and external, to a school open to its environment and able to provide training opportunities and services in line with the requirements of all stakeholders. Implementation started in 2008 and is to be finished by 2013.
It provides for a major modernisation of school life at all levels. First, teaching will be professionalised by the systematic adoption of the LMD system already in place and the creation of the complementary diplomas. Three Masters, with five specialties, are already operational, and a sixth will soon be aimed at training national official veterinarians within the Master of Veterinary Public Health. Plans to open bachelor’s degrees are under consideration. Professional training will also be developed.
To accompany these efforts, EISMV infrastructure will be renovated and expanded in order to provide staff and students with an environment facilitating teaching and research while maintaining a friendly and human atmosphere. Similarly, institution governance will be strengthened to cope with the diversification of its missions.
Finally, in line with a philosophy developed since the inception of EISMV, the school will continue to expand and strengthen partnerships developed in and outside Africa. Partners include international and sub-regional organisation as well as government agencies, research centres, higher education institutions, private laboratories...
Welcome, therefore, to EISMV, WAEMU Regional Centre of Excellence and OIE Collaborating Centre.
