The framework is responsible for training over 4000 vets and AHPs globally.

Animal welfare charity Brooke is celebrating 10 years of its Animal Health Mentoring Framework that has enabled the training of more than 4000 veterinarians and animal health practitioners (AHPs) around the world. The anniversary falls on World Veterinary Day, Saturday, 29 April.

Developed by a group of Brooke veterinarians, the mentoring framework is a list of essential skills and capabilities that aims to help animal health workers to provide compassionate and competent care to animals. It was tested in countries including Ethiopia and Pakistan before being rolled out across Brooke’s countries of operation. It is also used by universities and governments.

The charity says that veterinarians and AHPs play a vital role in supporting animals, owners and communities around the world, but the varying level of training can lead to poor handling, incorrect diagnosis and spread of disease.

The student-led technique that is unique to Brooke, has helped to improve animal health and welfare in communities far beyond its own reach, by strengthening existing systems and equipping workers with necessary skills.

Scott Miller, a TV veterinary surgeon who visited Pakistan with Brooke in 2005, said: “When I think back to the start of my career, I remember the importance of having mentors around me who supported my development and pushed me to become the vet I am today. One of the many reasons I’m proud to support Brooke is because of the way in which the organisation empowers animal health workers in hard-to-reach areas so that animals can access the compassionate and high quality treatment they so deserve.”

The objective of the international charity is to protect and improve the lives of working horses, donkeys and mules. By doing so, it gives people in developing countries the chance to earn an income to enable them to build a better future for themselves and their families.

The framework is one of several ways the charity is helping to improve the lives of animals and the people who rely on them.

Laura Skippen, senior manager at Brooke said: “10 years ago, I was part of a group of vets from all over the world who took part in a workshop to start developing what was to become the Animal Health Mentoring Framework. Today, I am proud to see the incredible impact it has had on animal health systems in Brooke’s countries of operation, supporting animal health practitioners to become capable and compassionate advocates for the welfare of working equids. All animals deserve high-quality healthcare wherever they are - the Framework takes us one step closer to making that a reality.”