For the first time in the history of VAZ
REGIONAL AWARDS
Five regions · Fourteen honours · One national stage
HISTORY
Every region has heroes. Name yours.
In clinics, veterinary camps, laboratories, lecture halls and dip tanks across Zambia, veterinarians and veterinary paraprofessionals protect animals, farmers’ livelihoods and public health every day, mostly unseen. In 2027, for the first time, the VAZ Awards go regional, so excellence is recognised closer to where it happens.
Why nominate a peer?
- 1
They will never nominate themselves.
Self-nominations are not accepted. Every winner starts with a colleague who speaks up. Be that colleague.
- 2
15 minutes for you. A career moment for them.
One form and a CV. The recognition lasts a lifetime.
- 3
Put your region on the national map.
Every regional winner goes forward for the National Veterinarian and National Veterinary Paraprofessional Awards.
- 4
Paraprofessionals: this is your stage too.
Every region honours a veterinary paraprofessional, the people who keep animal health services moving.
What your nomination delivers
For the colleague you nominate
- National recognition
- A VAZ certificate and plaque
- The Gala Dinner stage
- Their story told on every VAZ platform
For your region
- Its own veterinarian and paraprofessional winners
- A shot at both national titles
- Local excellence, seen nationally
For the profession
- Shows Zambia what veterinary teams deliver
- Inspires the next generation
- Being nominated is itself an honour
Fourteen honours, five regions, one stage
Regional Veterinarian Award×5
One per region, for a veterinarian in any field of practice who works in that region.
Regional Veterinary Paraprofessional Award×5
One per region, for a veterinary paraprofessional who works in that region.
National Veterinarian Award×1
Chosen by the Awards Committee from the five regional veterinarian winners.
National Veterinary Paraprofessional Award×1
Chosen from the five regional paraprofessional winners.
Lifetime Achievement Award×1
At least 20 years devoted to veterinary science, animal health or welfare, or public health.
Rising Star Award×1
Exceptional early-career research or clinical practice, under 10 years in practice.
The five regions
- CENTRALREGIONCentral, Lusaka, Copperbelt
- EASTERNREGIONEastern
- NORTHERNREGIONNorthern, Muchinga, Luapula
- SOUTHERNREGIONSouthern
- WESTERNREGIONWestern, North-Western
A regional award goes to the region where the nominee works.
Nominate a peer in 15 minutes
- 1
Get the form
From 1 December 2026 here on member.vaz.org.zm, or ask your Regional Representative. Phone, computer or paper.
- 2
Choose award and region
Pick the award and the region where your nominee works. Their cadre decides vet or para.
- 3
Tell their story
Describe the impact with facts and numbers. Attach the nominee’s CV, set out as in the VAZ CV Guide for Nominees.
- 4
Submit by 31 January
Send it before the window closes on 31 January 2027. Every nominator is acknowledged.
Key dates
- 1 Dec 2026Nominations open
- 31 Jan 2027Nominations close
- FebruaryVerification
- Feb – MarSelection by the Awards Committee
- By 10 MarEvery nominator thanked
- April 2027Winners crowned at the Gala Dinner, Livingstone
Who can nominate
- Any VAZ member, in any region.
- No letters are needed.
- Self-nominations are not accepted, so your colleague needs you.
Who can be nominated
- A present VAZ member (past or present for Lifetime Achievement).
- For a regional award, someone who works in that region.
- Not a current Executive or Awards Committee member, nor a previous winner of the same award.
- Willing to attend the Gala Dinner presentation.
Be in the room when the winners are named
The 2027 Awards are presented at the Gala Dinner of the VAZ Scientific Conference & AGM, 21–23 April 2027, David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa, Livingstone. Register now, meet the guest speakers and session co-chairs, and plan your trip. Tap a code, or scan it with your phone.