As part of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine’s commitment to community service and its support for sustainable development, the Faculty hosted the “Eco-Media” Summer Camp, organized by the Egyptian Bridge Foundation for Media and Development.
The visit aimed to familiarize young participants with the concept of “One Health,” a modern global approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
Dr. Marwa Khalifa, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, emphasized the Faculty’s commitment to integrating academic study with practical field training. She noted that providing young people with firsthand exposure to the role and mission of veterinary medicine contributes to promoting scientific knowledge and raising community awareness of measures to prevent zoonotic diseases, thereby enhancing public health and safety.
The camp featured an intensive scientific program that combined theoretical lectures with practical activities, with notable participation by Dr. Safaa Youssef, Manager of the Faculty’s Educational Farm in Sahari.
Awareness Lectures on Zoonotic Diseases:
The scientific sessions highlighted the vital role of veterinarians in protecting public health and ensuring food safety and security. Participants were introduced to major diseases transmissible between animals and humans, including rabies, brucellosis (Malta fever), avian influenza, and bovine tuberculosis. The sessions emphasized the importance of following preventive measures and veterinary vaccination protocols, adopting safe animal-handling practices, and obtaining food from reliable and approved sources to safeguard community health.
Field Tour of the Educational Farm:
The activities also included a field tour of the Faculty’s Educational Farm, where participants visited the enclosures housing horses, cattle, buffalo, sheep, camels, and dogs. They were introduced to modern veterinary care practices, animal nutrition programs, clinical examination procedures, and proper scientific and humane methods of handling animals.
Dr. Safaa Youssef explained that the farm serves as an integrated practical training environment, providing students and visitors with opportunities to gain hands-on experience and apply veterinary knowledge in a real-world setting.
For his part, Dr. Loay Saad El-Din Nasrat, President of Aswan University, affirmed the University’s commitment to hosting educational and awareness-raising initiatives that enrich young people’s knowledge and broaden their understanding of contemporary issues. He emphasized that the “One Health” concept is fundamental to addressing today’s interconnected environmental and health challenges. He also praised the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine for its role in preparing qualified professionals capable of supporting the livestock sector and contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and Egypt’s Vision 2030.
The visit concluded with widespread appreciation from participants and media representatives for the educational and research capabilities of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Aswan University. Attendees noted that the experience underscored the importance of integration among human, animal, and environmental health and praised the Faculty’s leadership and administration for organizing successful community-oriented initiatives that promote public awareness and serve society.