The World Veterinary Association (WVA) is a federation and the world’s largest family of veterinarians. The WVA represents 500.000 veterinarians and over eighty veterinary medical associations from all over the world. The main goal of this federation is to promote animal health and welfare. It collaborates with other organizations, including the World Health Organization, the Food and Agriculture Organization, and the World Organisation for Animal Health, on behalf of its members. Here is everything you need to know about the World Veterinary Association.
The History of WVA
Dr J. Gamgee, Professor of Anatomy and Physiology at the Dick Veterinary College, summoned the first International Veterinary Congress in 1863. Together with other veterinary academics and veterinarians from Europe, he established the World Veterinary Congress. During the sixth World Veterinary Congress, the World Veterinary Association was formed. At the same congress, the International Association of Small Animal Specialists was also set up. The WVA was immediately accepted, grew very fast and it started representing the global veterinary profession.
The World Veterinary Association
The WVA aims in promoting and guaranteeing animal health and welfare though developing and advancing veterinary medicine and profession. Hence, the World Veterinary Association holds a congress every two years in a different place of the world. It also offers an online library where veterinary professionals and students can access information about veterinary topics, reports, and research. Moreover, the WVA issues policy papers on the most important global veterinary issues, as well as, a newsletter and an online educational portal.
The organizational structure of WVA consists of a general assembly, a council, working groups and committees, and secretariat. The WVA General Assembly is the most important platform for discussion and policies and representatives of all WVA Member Associations attend the assembly. The WVA Council consists of the President, President Elect, Immediate Past President, and 14 elected representatives from different parts of the world and International Organizations members.
Moreover, the WVA Committees and working groups are in fact the Council members and Ad hoc members, which support and promote the work of such groups. Last but not least, the WVA Secretariat’s role is the daily management of the Association, communication, maintenance and development of Membership. It is located in Brussels, Belgium.
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