Addis Ababa: Ethiopia recognizes the critical role of veterinary services in safeguarding the health and wellbeing of the country's livestock, State Minister of Agriculture Fikru Regassa remarked. The 50th Anniversary and the 37th Annual Conference of the Ethiopian Veterinary Association (EVA) is Underway in Addis Ababa with theme 'One Health, One Welfare, One Planet'. Opening the two-day conference today, State Minister of Agriculture Fikru Regassa said since its inception in 1974, EVA has experienced remarkable growth and achievements. Over those years, EVA forged strong connections among veterinary professionals, policymakers, academics, researchers, veterinary regulatory bodies, development partners, private veterinary service providers and livestock producers, the state minister noted. Stating that human livelihood and health are linked with animals and ecosystem, he said animals provide high quality protein that sustains human nutrition and the food system is closely connected to animal health and e cosystem. Ethiopia recognizes the critical role of veterinary services in safeguarding the health and wellbeing of our livestock and wild life populations as well, it was indicated. The State Minister has stressed the need to enhancing animal welfare standards and preserving the integrity of the ecosystem. By prioritizing animal health, we are not only protecting the livelihood of our farmers but also safeguarding public health, the state minister further elaborated. 'As we engage in meaningful discussions and exchange idea throughout this conference, let us reaffirm our commitment to promoting sustainable smart agriculture, enhancing animal welfare standards and preserving the integrity of the ecosystem.' President of EVA, Bojia Endebu stated that as an association, we have developed significantly over the years, from 13 founding members to over 2,000 members. For the president, EVA has served as the pivotal professional hub for academician, researchers and service providers in the animal health sector and fostering collaborations in livestock institutions, among others. EVA's annual conference has not only served as a platform for sharing scientific and technical science but also played a crucial role in fostering the unity of professional community, he further pointed out. Going forward, EVA continues to be a standing actor in the livestock policy making procedure of Ethiopia, the president affirmed. EVA is dedicated to policy advocacy, development, promotion, and dissemination of knowledge and good practices in the livestock sector and serving the interest of the society, it was learned. Source: Ethiopian News Agency