Lahore: Parliamentary Secretary for Specialized Healthcare & Medical Education, Ms. Rushda Lodhi, visited the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) in Lahore to address the pressing issues of one health and student malnutrition. Accompanied by UN Global Nutrition Champion Ms. Saira Iftikhar, the delegation engaged with UVAS Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Masood Rabbani and other key faculty members in discussions aimed at improving health outcomes.

According to University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, the visit included a meeting led by Prof. Dr. Masood Rabbani, during which Ms. Lodhi sought technical input from UVAS experts. The discussions focused on the one health concept, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health, and addressed the issue of stunting due to malnutrition among students. Ms. Saira Iftikhar presented an in-depth overview of the Healthy University campus initiative.

The meeting was attended by Dean Faculty of Veterinary Science Prof. Dr. Kamran Ashraf and senior faculty from the Department of Food Science & Human Nutrition. Prof. Rabbani highlighted UVAS’s academic and research activities, including new initiatives such as the conversion of Ravi Campus Pattoki into an Agro-Livestock Tourism Resort. This facility aims to educate students and families about poultry, dairy, livestock, fisheries, and wildlife management.

Prof. Rabbani also discussed the Center for Academic Development and Student Wellbeing, which aims to tackle issues such as cultural shock, mental health, language barriers, and financial challenges faced by students. The university reaffirmed its commitment to the healthy campus program to promote the well-being of students, faculty, and staff. The visit concluded with a presentation showcasing UVAS’s research, development initiatives, and collaborations with both national and international institutions.