The two associations have collaborated on a number of projects supporting veterinary continuing education across Africa.

Joint projects aim to increase access to digital learning

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has become an Educational Partner of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), following a long-standing collaboration in supporting veterinary continuing education (CE) across Africa.

The two organisations have worked together on a number of projects for more than 12 years. More recently the BSAVA supported a program run by the WSAVA’s charitable foundation through its African Small Companion Animal Network (AFSCAN) initiative.

AFSCAN is working to create a sustainable network of companion animal veterinary professionals, associations and specialist groups. It recently launched an innovative clinic-to-clinic twinning program that connects clinics in AFSCAN member countries with clinics in the US.

The BSAVA also maintains its ‘Foundation Collection’ in partnership with the WSAVA, the WSAVA Foundation and the Federation of Companion Animal Veterinary Associations (FECAVA). This offers free access to education resources from BSAVA’s online library to veterinary professionals in countries with limited resources.

WSAVA president Dr Shane Ryan commented: “Providing continuing education opportunities for our colleagues in areas where access may be difficult, cost-prohibitive or simply unavailable is fundamental to improving veterinary standards. We thank the BSAVA for its past support, and as we move into a new relationship as Educational Partners, we are eager to continue working together to increase the effectiveness and reach of the CE we provide to veterinarians around the world.”

Dr Krista Arnold, chair of BSAVA’s international committee, said: “The BSAVA is proud to join WSAVA as an Educational Partner and to make our learning resources accessible to those who may otherwise have limited access to continued education. We are also exploring other ways of working together to support the health and welfare of companion animals through improved veterinary care.”

Image (c) WSAVA.