Dushanbe, Tajikistan, August 20. Tajik veterinarians gathered in Dushanbe today to discuss ways to introduce innovations in veterinary clinics and fieldwork. The press briefing and discussion were organized in honor of the return of Community Connections participants from three-week internships in Des Moines, Iowa.  Participants in the USAID-sponsored Community Connections Veterinarians for Livestock Program lived with American families, met with U.S. veterinary professionals, and exchanged ideas on a wide range of issues related to livestock veterinary practices.
In Des Moines, Tajik veterinarians were exposed to various professional meetings where they learned about U.S. legislation regulating the veterinary field; reviewed cooperative practices between state and private veterinarians; observed operational procedures of private clinics; and met with state veterinarians involved in public education, disease control and prevention, and in working with livestock veterinarians across the state of Iowa. At the press briefing, Tajik veterinarians mentioned that they plan to share the information and skills they gained during the trip with fellow veterinarians back home.

The professional component of the program was enhanced by a rich cultural experience. Tajik veterinarians lived with American families and enjoyed cultural weekends in Chicago, and they also visited the Iowa State Fair, where they enjoyed music, rides, food, and the best of Iowa’s agricultural produce. One of the highlights of the cultural experience for many Tajik veterinarians was their participation in various volunteer activities. “The high level of volunteerism in the U.S. amazed me” said Azamov Ahatjon, a private veterinarian from Kanibadam.  

The USAID Community Connections Program offers community-based, three- to five-week practical training in the United States for business and professional organization leaders from Tajikistan.  Community Connections is one of the many assistance projects implemented in Tajikistan by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on behalf of the American people.  Since 1993, the American people, through USAID, have provided about $300 million in assistance programs that support the economic growth, democratic institutions, health care, and education systems of Tajikistan.

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