VN June 2023

Vetnuus | June 2023 30 I was privileged to attend the 38th World Veterinary Association Congress in Taipei, Taiwan, in April, together with Mr Gert Steyn, the Managing Director of SAVA, Ms Corne Engelbrecht, Director of SAVETCON and MsClaudia Cloete, Manager of SAVA CVC. The team organising the 39 th World Veterinary Association Congress hosted by SAVA in Cape Town from 16 to 19 April 2024 took the opportunity to market the event by presenting South Africas’plans. The scientific program of the congress was as diverse as the Tiawanese cuisine, catering for most disciplines with more than 80 streams that included a One Health Summit. Although more than 3000 delegates attended it, most of the them were from Taiwan. Unfortunately, no South African presented this time, especially after a good sprinkle of South Africans presented at the previous World Congress held in Abu Dhabi last year. A very successful World Veterinary Association Congress Organising Committee meeting was held, where many members from the international body and the South African delegation had the first opportunity to meet in person. After SAVA’s presentation, the WVA President-Elect, Dr John de Jongh, remarked that have never experienced such a state of readiness for a congress a year in advance. If the 39 th WVAC Congress can be hosted successfully, it might open future opportunities for the South African delegation. During the closing ceremony, a doll was handed over to the President of the World Veterinary to invite Association, Dr Laguens, as a tangible symbol of invitation. The WVA flag was presented to me as the President of the Association hosting the next World Veterinary Association Congress. May the 39 th WorldVeterinary Association Congress hosted by SAVA be a showcase of South Africa’s excellence in veterinary services. We have much to offer but must make it known to the world! They will be the once poorer if they don’t take note. v 38thWORLDVETERINARY ASSOCIATION CONGRESS 2023 26 TO 29 APRIL 2023 NANGANG EXHIBITION CENTRE TAIPEI, TAIWAN