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Partnership between ACBF and WAAVP-AN creates a platform for scientific collaboration, professional development and strengthened parasite control across the continent.
The World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology African Network (WAAVP-AN) was officially launched on 26–27 June 2024 in Cotonou, Benin, bringing together researchers, veterinary professionals, institutions and development partners committed to advancing veterinary parasitology and strengthening the control of animal parasitic diseases across Africa.
Held under the theme Advancing Veterinary Parasitology in Africa for Enhanced Control of Animal Parasitic Diseases, the gathering highlighted the importance of scientific collaboration, capacity development and innovation in supporting animal health, food security and sustainable livestock production.
The launch also reflected the growing partnership between the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) and WAAVP-AN in strengthening Africa’s scientific and institutional capacity.
Through its support, ACBF has contributed to the development of frameworks that promote research, knowledge sharing, professional networking and capacity-building opportunities for veterinary parasitologists across the continent.
The partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to building the expertise, institutions and collaborative networks required to address animal health challenges and support agricultural development in Africa.
Addressing participants during the gathering, Benin’s Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Gaston Cossi Dossouhoui, emphasized the significance of livestock production for rural populations and national development.
Livestock constitutes for pastoral populations and the poorest segments of our countries a potential source of food and monetary income
Hon Gaston Cossi Dossouhoui
Benin’s Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries
WAAVP-AN serves as an umbrella network of people and institutions working toward improved control of animal parasitic diseases, advances in research and training, strengthened veterinary practice, enhanced animal welfare and sustainable livestock production.
The network also seeks to reduce the economic and health impacts associated with animal parasites, including parasitic zoonoses, while supporting the development and retention of the human resources needed to sustain long-term parasite control efforts across the continent.
The establishment of WAAVP-AN emerged from a recognition that Africa’s veterinary parasitology community would benefit from a stronger platform capable of connecting researchers, institutions and professional associations around a common agenda.
The reason why this meeting was convened was on realization that whereas we have many small groups or associations for parasitologists in Africa, much cannot be said about an overarching body that helps to coordinate these various organizations in the field of veterinary parasitology.
An entity which will help to coordinate and bring together the different veterinary parasitologists so that we are able to be one united vision where we want to take this field collectively and look for resources so that we are able to provide opportunities for early-career and middle-career researchers to drive forward the agenda of parasite control in Africa.
Dr. Patrick Vudriko
Co-chair of WAAVP-AN
The network provides a framework for collaboration across countries and institutions, creating opportunities for researchers and practitioners to exchange knowledge, share experiences and contribute to solutions that improve animal health and livestock productivity.
The initiative also supports stronger engagement between scientists, policymakers and development partners, helping ensure that research findings inform practical interventions and policy decisions.
Interest in the network has continued to grow as veterinary parasitologists across Africa and beyond seek opportunities to engage in a coordinated community of practice focused on scientific excellence and development impact.
Really, the start of our year for 2023 was attendance and participation in the WAAVP biennial conference.
We partnered with Helminthology to support two female parasitologists from Africa to attend this international conference and present their work. We were able to present the results of our survey on priority areas for attention in veterinary parasitology in Africa, effectively bringing this information to the wider global community,
Dr. Ayodele Majekodunmi
Co-chair of WAAVP-AN
She explained that the network also served as a platform for presenting African priorities to international audiences and building stronger links with the global veterinary parasitology community.
We were also able to introduce the Africa network to the global community of veterinary parasitology in the symposium, which we held as one of the key events of the conference. We generated considerable interest from colleagues within Africa and outside Africa in joining the network and the community of practice.
Dr. Ayodele Majekodunmi
Co-chair of WAAVP-AN
ACBF has played an important role in supporting the development of the network and strengthening its institutional foundation.
The partnership aligns with the Foundation’s broader mandate to build human and institutional capacity across Africa and to support initiatives that generate sustainable development outcomes.
The partnership aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 by strengthening scientific capacity, promoting innovation and supporting sustainable agricultural development.
It also contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals through investments in research, skills development, and collaboration across institutions and countries.
Speaking during the launch, ACBF Executive Secretary Mamadou Biteye highlighted key achievements that have helped position the network for growth and impact.
Key milestones achieved so far include the successful launch of the Africa Network during the 29th International Conference that was held in Chennai, India, in August 2023.
We established the Africa Network website to enhance the visibility of the network and provide a platform for networking, collaboration and knowledge sharing. We also established a framework for administration and management of the Africa Network research and capacity-building grants
Mr Mamadou Biteye
ACBF Executive Secretary
These foundational investments have strengthened the network’s ability to connect professionals across borders, support scientific collaboration and facilitate access to opportunities that advance research and professional development.
The establishment of administrative and grant-management structures also provides an important mechanism to support future initiatives aimed at strengthening veterinary parasitology across Africa.
The network’s first call for grant proposals reflects a practical commitment to supporting research and innovation while creating opportunities for scientists and institutions to develop solutions to animal health challenges affecting livestock systems across the continent.
The importance of veterinary parasitology extends well beyond scientific research. Effective parasite control contributes directly to improved animal health, increased livestock productivity and stronger livelihoods for communities that depend on livestock for food, income and economic security.
It is vital for providing meaningful livelihoods to smallholder farmers and ensuring inclusive growth for our states. I remain convinced that with the actions planned by the network, Africa will significantly improve the level of its animal production.
Hon Gaston Cossi Dossouhoui
Benin’s Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries
The discussions also highlighted the importance of linking scientific evidence with economic outcomes that support investment and policy action. Participants stressed the need to demonstrate the economic impact of animal diseases and the benefits of effective parasite control in ways that resonate with governments, development institutions and private-sector partners.
What we would need to do is to have a contact working group on the ground to work with the association to achieve all of this. If we translate the data into figures in terms of economic impact, we would be able to engage partners and convince them to invest in what we are doing here.
Dr. Moses Arokoyo
President of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association.
The launch of WAAVP-AN represents an important step in strengthening Africa’s veterinary parasitology landscape through collaboration, knowledge sharing and capacity development.
Supported by ACBF and a growing network of researchers, institutions and professional associations, the initiative creates a stronger platform to advance animal health, support livestock production and contribute to sustainable agricultural development across the continent.
