The KNUST School of Veterinary Medicine was established in 2009 to address Ghana's critical shortage of veterinarians and promote a One Health approach through local training.
Origins and Need for the School
•Veterinary education in Ghana began in 1920 with technician training in Pong-Tamale, but veterinarians had to study abroad in countries like Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Cuba, Russia, and Ukraine.•In 2009, the Veterinary Council of Ghana recognized the need to produce veterinarians locally due to a severe shortage, with less than 150 veterinarians against a requirement of over 10,000.•This shortage impacted meat quality, veterinary services, and pet care in the country, prompting the council to approach universities including the University of Ghana and KNUST.Establishment and Unique Features
•KNUST was specifically tasked with producing One Health specialists to help control pandemics, leading to the school's placement within the College of Health Sciences.•This positioning made KNUST's College of Health Sciences the only one in Africa focused on a One Health drive at the time.•The three foundation members were Professor Rafael de la Dempulice (founding dean), Professor Tunis, and Dr. Joseph Atawana, who planned infrastructure based on visits to South Africa.Infrastructure and Facilities
•The school features a first-of-its-kind building in West Africa with a massive small animal clinic resembling a human hospital and a large animal hospital.•It includes shared facilities and plans for a three-story building with research laboratories and student housing at the back.•The infrastructure was designed to support the One Health focus and provide comprehensive veterinary training and services.Key Takeaways
•The school was founded in 2009 to train veterinarians locally in Ghana, addressing a critical shortage of professionals.•It is uniquely positioned within KNUST's College of Health Sciences to promote a One Health approach for pandemic control.•The infrastructure includes advanced facilities like small and large animal hospitals, modeled after South African templates.Conclusion
The KNUST School of Veterinary Medicine represents a strategic initiative to enhance Ghana's veterinary capacity through local education and innovative One Health integration.
