Zoonotic diseases and safety of animal source foods is of great concern in Vietnam. However, veterinary public health (VPH) has not yet become a major component of traditional veterinary programs in the country and VPH capabilities amongst its veterinary professionals and paraprofessionals are limited. With support from USAID and other partners, Ho Chi Minh City University of Agriculture and Forestry recently developed a Master’s program of Veterinary Medicine, specializing in public health, which will be launched this fall. It will provide in-depth professional education in veterinary medicine and formalize the relationship between veterinary medicine and other fields of medicine, environmental protection, food safety, and public health.

So What? By strengthening human resource capacity to detect, prevent, monitor, and control zoonotic diseases, USAID is helping Vietnam to better prepare for and respond to any emerging and reemerging threats.