Public Health and Preventive Medicine
Programme Descriptions
The Public health and Preventive Medicine Faculty of the College of Veterinary Surgeons Nigeria (CVSN) train public health professionals on the application of veterinary science to protect and improve the physical, mental and social well-being of individuals in our communities.[
The Public health and Preventive Medicine Faculty of the College of Veterinary Surgeons Nigeria (CVSN) commenced its activities with the establishment of the College over a decade ago. At inception, the College had Study Centre for Public Health & Preventive Medicine Faculty hosted at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. It was headed by Prof. J. U. Umoh while Prof. S. Nuru served as the Supervisor. Currently, the Faculty has four Study Centres, located at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, University of Ibadan, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka as well as the National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom.
Professional experience
With the restructuring of the College, the Study Centres now serve the multiple role of hosting the 2-4-week on-campus practical component of the training, serving as a Clinic Training Centre as well as supervision of State Clinic Training Centres. This restructuring has also reformed the “lectures” to virtual interactions, which are primarily via zoom and WhatsApp platforms as well as other relevant online platforms.
Career opportunities
While public health veterinarians may work for a variety of employers, many public health vets work for one of the following organizations:
- Private industry: Pharmaceutical and vaccine companies, food processors, medical device companies
- Government agencies: Departments of Agriculture; Departments of Natural Resources, Departments of Public Health, Center for Epidemiology and Animal Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- International organizations: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, World Health Organization, World Animal Health Organization.
- Uniformed services: Army Veterinary Corps, Air Force Health Officer, Public Health Corps.
- International public health agencies: Veterinarians without Borders, Heifer Project International, Pan American Health Organization.