NYAGATARE – Veterinary experts from Africa have hailed the country’s milk feeding programme for school children.

The vets, part of over a hundred veterinary experts from various African countries who came to the country to attend a four-day 19th   conference of the World Organisation for Animal Health (IOE), were in Nyagatare to tour various livestock development projects.

Speaking to The New Times, Dr. Berhe Gebreesziabher, who headed a 16-member delegation, on Thursday, said that the "One pint-of milk-per child” programme is a well thought out school based initiative that Africa should emulate. 

They toured Nyagatare milk plant that processes over 30, 000 litres of milk a day. The milk is supplied in different schools in the country where the programme operates. 

Dr. Berhe Gebreesziabher said that Rwanda has proved to be a role model on the continent in maintaining good health for her young citizens. 

"We are really impressed by the programme. It is very rare to see an African developing country practicing such programmes,” he said. 

"This is a good example Rwanda is giving to other developing countries for the better future of Africa’s young generation,” he added. 

The delegation toured an indigenous cattle farm in Karama Cell, Karangazi Sector and Mbale milk collection centre.

According to Dr. Augustine Zimulinda, an officer with Rwanda Animal Resources Development Authority (RARDA), the international conference deliberated on issues that affect delivery of veterinary services such as good governance and the role of the Animal Health platforms in helping African countries to attain the Millennium Development Goals.

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