Uni reveals plans for new programme

THE Papua New Guinea University of Natural Resource and Environment (PNGUNRE) will soon offer certificates in para veterinary technology (PVT).
This was revealed by Vice-Chancellor Prof Aisak Pue recently.
PVT is a strategic response to the recent global and national outbreak of animal and zoonotic diseases.
The programme was designed by animal science lecturer Sinafa Robby, who is a current member and PNG representative to the wildlife disease association – Australasian section.
Prof Pue said the course would be delivered at the university’s centre for self-education.
He explained that the programme would be delivered over 12 weeks using a modular block approach during the 2020-2021 Taubar sessions at the university, beginning Nov 23.
He said given the dire need for specialist training in addressing these bio security threats to the nation, the programme was the university’s contribution to training appropriately skilled and competent animal health specialist in this high-risk sector.
Prof Pue said the Taubar session was the off-season intensive learning programme that was designed to externalise mainstream undergraduate programmes.
He said the initial needs assessment for development of this programme was directly from the PNG National Food Security Policy 2018-2027.
Prof Pue said the first two priority strategic action areas of the policy were productive and farm output growth of the main food staples, horticulture, small livestock and fish farming and also increasing efficiencies along the entire food value chain.