NEWS · GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT
The VAZ President joined more than 5,500 veterinarians from over 100 countries in Warsaw, and came home with new knowledge, new partners and new opportunities for every member.
Veterinary Association of Zambia · 17 October 2026 · Warsaw, Poland
Lusaka, 17 October 2026 - The Veterinary Association of Zambia (VAZ) was represented at the 51st World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) World Congress, held at EXPO XXI in Warsaw, Poland, from 13 to 15 October 2026. Delivered by WSAVA with the Polish Small Animal Veterinary Association and FECAVA, the Congress drew more than 5,500 delegates from over 100 countries.
Zambia's voice in a global forum
VAZ President Dr Eugene Chisela Bwalya, who also represented the Association at the WSAVA General Assembly on 12 October, attended 17 sessions across nine halls. He raised questions on behalf of Zambian practice: on bringing WSAVA leadership training to national level and to para-professionals, and on One Health decontamination of animal shelters to break the cycle of zoonotic skin infections. After each session he met speakers to discuss how they can support Zambia, and held side meetings with members of WSAVA committees and the Board.
What Warsaw brings home
- One Health and climate: vector-borne diseases such as babesiosis and ehrlichiosis are spreading, and diagnostic capacity must keep pace.
- Antimicrobial stewardship: practical tools, from non-prescription forms to take-back schemes for leftover antibiotics, that Zambia can adapt.
- Vaccination: WSAVA's evidence-based guidelines, with rabies and leptospirosis core in Zambia.
- Pain, leadership and wellbeing: modern osteoarthritis care, safer workplaces and stronger association leadership.
“Through WSAVA, world-class veterinary standards are open to every one of our members. Our task now is to bring them home and put them to work.”- Dr Eugene Chisela Bwalya, VAZ President
Opportunities for members
The side meetings led directly to the VAZ notice and flyer on WSAVA opportunities issued on 15 October. As a Tier 1 WSAVA member, VAZ gives its members free access to the WSAVA Academy, the WSAVA Global Guidelines, the Future Association Leader Program, committee roles, awards and continuing education grants. Members seeking VAZ endorsement for the Future Association Leader Program 2027 should apply to the Secretariat by 25 October 2026.
Building a stronger Association
The Congress advances the VAZ Strategic Plan 2026-2030, above all its priorities on governance and leadership, veterinary networks, continuing education, and animal welfare and public health. A members' webinar on Congress highlights will follow. VAZ thanks WSAVA for supporting its participation, and PSAVA and FECAVA for hosting. The next WSAVA World Congress will be held in New Delhi, India, from 5 to 7 November 2027.
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