Vetnews | Februarie 2025 26 « BACK TO CONTENTS In 2017, SAVA revived the mission of SAVA-CVC – providing quality veterinary care in impoverished communities. SAVA provided an interest free loan which was paid back in full and through significant efforts of the team managed to achieve impressive milestones. More than 80 000 small animal sterilizations, 193 000 small animal vaccinations,27 000 small animal disease treatments 192 000 endo/ecto parasite prophylaxis were administered, to mention but a few achievements. SAVA-CVC aims to drive the reality that owning an animal comes with a financial responsibility. Even in impoverished communities, we require clients to contribute to the treatment of the animals – albeit a small amount. It intends to respond to the issue that animal welfare organisations are overwhelmed by animals that do not receive proper veterinary care. To this end, we currently have 39 SAVA-CVC clinics around South Africa. What classifies a community clinic as a SAVA-CVC clinic? Firstly, an application form is completed by a member of SAVA. The requirements are no more onerous than performing this service out of sheer goodwill. The veterinarian must pass a CVC site visit to obtain a CVC certificate from the South African Veterinary Council if the veterinarian performs sterilizations outside of their veterinary clinic e.g. in community halls or schools. Secondly, all services rendered by animal health professionals at such a site must be supervised by a veterinarian. Thirdly, and this is critical – all activities and services rendered must be recorded and submitted in monthly reports to SAVACVC (this is done through an on-line portal). The reason for this is that SAVA-CVC approaches local and international donors to supply medicines, consumables and funds – something that is only possible through providing proof that veterinary services are rendered and that donations ultimately end up in the area where it is needed. In turn, SAVA-CVC then distributes these donations to its clinics around the country. All CVC clinics registered for support with SAVA-CVC is expected to uphold the highest professional veterinary standards and SAVA actively supports the veterinarians with the process to register with the South African Veterinary Council. We are aware of concerns by private practitioners that SAVA-CVC is“undercutting”the prices and services of private practitioners. Clinics classified as SAVA-CVC’s are guided by SAVA-CVC to avoid servicing animals belonging to people that can afford regular veterinary services. This includes, inter alia requesting proof of low income (SASSA cards with appropriate identification), subtly confirming that the animal being assisted is, in fact, owned by the person presenting the animal, and visual cues – clothes, watches, vehicles used when delivering the animal to the clinic. SAVA-CVC has preciously little resources and want to make sure that, as far as is humanly possible, services are rendered to those that absolutely cannot afford it. SAVA encourages veterinarians to offer primary veterinary care to animals in lower-income communities and SAVA members are invited to take advantage of the CVC benefits on offer to support your efforts. For more information, please contact Claudia Cloete on manager@savacvc.co.za v Gert Steyn Claudia Cloete SAVA Managing Director SAVA-CVC: Director SUPPORT FOR SAVA COMMUNITY VETERINARY CLINICS (SAVA-CVC)
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