Strengthening Private Sector Veterinary Paraprofessionals - Lessons from FAO's Transformative Capacity Development Program

Nafinatu Hyelni Abdullahi, is a veterinarian with a strong background in participatory research methodologies and gender. She began her career as a freelance researcher with organisations such as UNICEF, EDOREN, and ILRI. With experience spanning the education, livestock, and human health sectors, she has acquired a profound understanding of the interconnected challenges inherent in veterinary practice within the One Health framework. Nafinatu led the participatory rural appraisal study on VPP training needs and business environment at the start of the project and has since become the country coordinator for Nigeria. She has also coordinated other VPP training initiatives to improve farm biosecurity and promote One Health by empowering female health professionals with leadership and technical skills.  

Sylvia Angubua Blauka is a veterinarian with over 26 years of experience in the private sector, academia, research, and livestock sector development at national, regional, and international levels. She joined the FAO in 2020, initially as a Regional Consultant, before becoming the Project Coordinator for Uganda under the Veterinary Paraprofessionals Project in 2021. She has also served as President of the Uganda Veterinary Association (2017–2021), a Board Member of the National Drug Authority (2017–2021), and an Advisory Board Member for the East African Regional Community Animal Health Network (CAHNET, 2007–2012).

Afolarin Bolaji is a veterinarian, trainer, and researcher with extensive experience in animal health and livestock reproduction. He is dedicated to enhancing first-line animal healthcare service delivery. Previously, he worked with reputable organisations such as Thrive Agric and the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, O.A.U. Nigeria, contributing significantly in various roles, including veterinary paraprofessional (VPP) training and farmer education through face-to-face, online, and practical sessions. Currently, he serves as the VPP Training Specialist (Nigeria) for the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations, leading training initiatives across project states. He holds a master’s degree (M.V.Sc.) in Theriogenology (Assisted Reproductive Technology) and a Certificate in Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE).

Holly Hufnagel is a veterinarian and agricultural economist with extensive experience in strengthening agricultural and livestock value chains. As Coordinator at the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the program “Empowering Veterinary Paraprofessional Entrepreneurs”, she focuses on enhancing the capacity of private sector VPPs to deliver high-quality animal health services. Holly has a strong track record of developing public-private partnerships to foster sustainable business growth, and drive innovation in the livestock and agricultural sectors. 

Jenny Maud is a veterinarian with further training in veterinary education, specialising in capacity development for animal health professionals worldwide. Jenny's work focuses on blended learning combining innovative online learning solutions with traditional training modalities. She has lead the development of the training programme for veterinary paraprofessionals, covering preventive livestock healthcare, business skills and gender-sensitive approaches. She is passionate about creating practical training solutions that address real-world problems.