"One of the major reasons attributable for the lack of availability and accessibility of quality veterinary medicines and vaccines is the lack of an appropriate, robust and functioning regulatory system."

Conference highlights the need for government collaboration 

The global animal medicines association, HealthforAnimals, has appealed for greater worldwide access to veterinary medicines. The organisation, speaking at the fifth Global Animal Health Conference in Delhi, urged representatives from 24 countries to improve regional cooperation in order to improve the availability of animal medicines.
 
The conference, supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, emphasised the socio-economic benefits of providing farmers with access to quality animal health products. Through enabling access, livestock can be immunised and treated for disease, ensuring the livelihood of communities and protecting against transferable diseases.
 
Opening the conference, Dr. Samuel Thevasagayam, Deputy Director of Agricultural Development at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation said:
“Approximately 60 per cent of smallholder farmers depend on livestock for their wellbeing in Africa and South Asia. It is estimated that 25 per cent of livestock production is lost due to preventable or treatable diseases. One of the major reasons attributable for the lack of availability and accessibility of quality veterinary medicines and vaccines is the lack of an appropriate, robust and functioning regulatory system.

“We are working, with our partners in the animal health industry and regulatory agencies, to establish a robust regulatory framework that is effective, transparent and predictable to address this massive need to eliminate the leakage of value from livestock production and help small holder farmers realise the value of livestock by further investing in feed, livestock genetics and improved husbandry.”

Closing the conference, HealthforAnimals’ executive director, Carel du Marchie Sarvaas said: “The purpose of the conference was to bring together people from a range of sectors to help build a greater bond, and in turn, better animal health. A key theme of the day has been harmonisation. Chiefly the need for regulators and governments to collaborate together with other stakeholders.

“Access to quality veterinary medicines not only protect animals but humans, their livelihoods and wellbeing. We hope all those at the conference apply and share today’s learnings to help us all make animals healthier.”