Public Health and Veterinary Sciences

The department of Public Health and Veterinary Sciences at Lupane State University distinguishes itself through a variety of unique features, setting it apart from other departments and institutions. 

1. Interdisciplinary "One Health" Focus: 

• Integrated Curriculum: Offering a truly integrated curriculum that seamlessly blends public health and veterinary science principles, rather than treating them as separate disciplines. 
• Joint Research Initiatives: Fostering collaborative research projects that address complex "One Health" challenges, involving faculty and students from both disciplines.   
• Dedicated "One Health" Centre: Establishing a centre dedicated to "One Health" research, education, and outreach, serving as a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration. 
• Field work that crosses disciplines: Having students and faculty work in the field together, with both public health and veterinary science professionals. 

2. Specialized Research and Expertise: 

• Focus on Zoonotic Diseases: Developing expertise in the study and control of specific zoonotic diseases relevant to the region or globally. Food Safety and Security
•  Research: Establishing a leading research program in food safety and security, with a focus on animal-derived products. 
• Environmental Health and Animal Welfare: Integrating environmental health and animal welfare considerations into research and education programmes. 
• Niche Research Areas: Focusing on unique areas of research that are under-represented, such as the impact of climate change on animal and human health in specific ecosystems. 
• Research into the human animal bond: Researching the positive impacts of the human animal bond on human health. 

3. Innovative Educational Programmes: 

• Experiential Learning: Emphasizing experiential learning through field placements, internships, and community-based projects. 
• Problem-Based Learning: Utilizing problem-based learning approaches to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. 
• Global Health Focus: Offering opportunities for students to engage in global health initiatives and international collaborations. 
• Simulation Labs: Utilizing state of the art simulation labs for both veterinary and public health training. 
• Dual Degree Programs: Offering dual degree programmes that allow students to earn both a veterinary degree and a public health degree.  

 4. Community Engagement and Outreach: 

• Mobile Veterinary Clinics: Operating mobile veterinary clinics to provide services to underserved communities. 
• Public Health Education Programs: Conducting public health education programs to raise awareness of important health issues. 
• Partnerships with Local Agencies: Building strong partnerships with local and regional health agencies to address community health needs.
• Disaster response training and participation: Training students and faculty to participate in disaster response that will affect both animals and people.

 5. Technological Integration: 

• Utilizing Telemedicine: Integrating telemedicine into veterinary practice and public health outreach.  
•  Data Analytics and Epidemiology: Emphasizing the use of data analytics and epidemiology in research and practice. 
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Utilizing GIS to map and analyse disease patterns and environmental health risks.