The College of Health Sciences KNUST was honoured to host Dr. Flavie Vial, a distinguished guest whose visit aimed to enrich the field of Animal Health Science. The highlight of her visit was a workshop organized on the 23rd of January 2024 at the School of Veterinary Medicine, drawing participants from various regions of Ghana.

Dr. Flavie Vial has built a scientific career turning data on emerging issues in the environmental and veterinary public health sectors into actionable intelligence for decision-makers. Today, as a programme leader for the Animal and Plant Health Agency, she facilitates international cooperation and knowledge exchange on how to prepare for and respond to disease threats at the human-animal-environment interface.

Dr. Flavie Vial in her remarks, emphasized the collaborative initiative between the UK and Ghana, placing a particular emphasis on the enhancement of veterinary services. She detailed the UK's commitment to providing technical support and guidance to enhance Ghana's veterinary capabilities. Notably, the partnership goes beyond technical support, incorporating a deliberate consideration of gender and social inclusion within animal health science. Dr. Flavie Vial highlighted the importance of addressing gender issues in livestock farming and the impact of animal diseases on different genders.

To conclude her visit, Dr. Flavie Vial paid a courtesy visit to the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Prof. Christian Agyare. This courtesy call symbolized a shared commitment to advancing Animal Health Science practices within the KNUST School of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Flavie Vial's visit marked a significant step in the collective effort to strengthen animal health science at KNUST's College of Health Sciences. Her insightful discussions and the coordinated efforts within the UK-Ghana partnership promise a future in which gender and social inclusion seamlessly integrate into the field of Animal Health Science.