Senior Zambian veterinarians with 15+ years in ruminant health, livestock production, vaccines or veterinary regulation are encouraged to apply before Saturday 31 October 2026.
Lusaka, 27 October 2026
The Veterinary Association of Zambia (VAZ) is pleased to share with members a call for experts from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), circulated to member associations by the World Veterinary Association (WVA). WOAH is forming a new ad hoc Group to update the list of priority animal diseases for which vaccines could achieve the greatest global reduction in antimicrobial use in cattle, sheep and goats.
The Group falls under WOAH’s PROEVA initiative (PRiority diseases for Overcoming antibiotic dependence through Effective Vaccination in Animals). It builds on the work completed earlier this year for chickens, pigs and farmed fish, and will report to the WOAH Director General.
What the ad hoc Group will do
- Prioritise the disease portfolio. Apply the PROEVA methodology to rank candidate diseases of cattle, sheep and goats and deliver a “Top 6” list (two priorities per production sector) on which advocacy and investment should concentrate over the next five years.
- Communicate the results. Help implement the PROEVA Communication, Dissemination and Engagement Plan by sharing the Group’s outcomes with stakeholders through professional networks and relevant fora.
Who should apply
Expertise is required in at least one of these sectors:
- Animal health and diseases, with a focus on cattle, sheep and/or goats
- The food-producing industry, with a focus on cattle, sheep and/or goats
- Animal vaccine research, development and manufacturing
- Veterinary products regulation
WOAH is looking for candidates with:
- More than 15 years of expertise in at least one of the four sectors, and international recognition as a specialist.
- A demonstrable understanding of the global problem of irresponsible antimicrobial use in animals, and commitment to preventive measures, particularly vaccination.
- High proficiency in English, good communication and analytical skills, and the ability to work in an intercultural team.
WOAH particularly welcomes applicants from its five regions, including Africa, and seeks gender balance on the Group.
Format and time commitment
How to apply
- Read the full call and the Terms of Reference on the WOAH website.
- Prepare an up-to-date CV.
- Write a cover letter showing how you meet the professional, interpersonal and availability requirements, your commitment to tackling antimicrobial resistance through prevention and vaccination, and your willingness to help communicate the Group’s work. WOAH uses the cover letter for initial screening, so be specific.
- Email both to f.vial@woah.org with the subject line “Application for PROEVA ad hoc group (cattle, sheep & goats)”.
WOAH has not stated a time zone for the deadline. Members are advised to submit by Friday 30 October 2026 to be safe. Applicants from non-English-speaking countries must also attach an English proficiency certificate; as English is Zambia’s official language, this should not apply to Zambian applicants.
Why this matters for Zambia
Zambia’s cattle, sheep and goat sectors face diseases that drive antibiotic use, from mastitis to respiratory and tick-borne infections, and the vaccines prioritised by this Group will shape where global investment goes for the next five years. A seat at the table gives African production systems a direct voice in that list.
The call fits squarely with the One Health response to antimicrobial resistance that VAZ supports, and with Zambia’s commitments under its National Action Plan on AMR. Members selected will also be well placed to share the outcomes with colleagues at home.
VAZ encourages eligible members to apply, and asks every member to share this opportunity with qualified colleagues in academia, government, industry and regulation.
Dr Eugene Chisela Bwalya
President, Veterinary Association of Zambia
Source: WOAH call for experts (published 12 October 2026) and the WVA circular to member associations. Venue and timing of the in-person meeting are as given in the WVA circular.