Training – Dutch Committee for Afghanistan

Training & Development

Building Skilled Veterinary Services Across Afghanistan

Practical, Community-Focused Training

Over the years, DCA has become a leading organization in applied veterinary training in Afghanistan. Through structured training programs, DCA develops the capacity of Paravets and Basic Veterinary Workers (BVWs) to deliver reliable animal health and production services within their own communities.

DCA’s training programs support sustainable livestock development by combining technical expertise with strong community engagement and practical field experience.

Paravet Training Program

Participants in the Paravet Training Program are selected from villages across Afghanistan. DCA facilitators identify areas with limited access to veterinary services and, in consultation with local Shuras, recruit capable and motivated candidates. While most trainees are male, female candidates are also selected whenever possible. Following a successful entrance examination, trainees attend a 24-week paravet training course at one of DCA’s veterinary training centres in Charikar (Kabul) or Herat. The former training centre in Mazar-i-Sharif was closed due to funding constraints.

Paravet Course Structure

Diagnosis and treatment of common animal diseases
Vaccination and disease prevention
Livestock production and animal health best practices
Extension methods for farmer education
Practical handling, diagnosis, and treatment of animals

After graduation, paravets return to their communities to establish VFUs with initial support from DCA. To date, more than 1,000 paravets have been trained, many of whom now operate fully privatized VFUs or work within DCA field programs.

Certification and Accreditation

DCA has continuously worked to formalize and standardize its training programs. On 23 March 2019, the Charikar Training Centre received official certification from the Afghan Ministry of Labour.

In 2018, the paravet training curriculum was translated into English and assessed by experts from the World Organisation for Animal Health - WOAH (formerly OIE). Following this external review, DCA initiated an internal alignment process to adapt the curriculum to OIE guidelines within Afghanistan’s national context.

Training Approach

DCA’s training methodology is designed to be effective, inclusive, and practical. The Centre applies a multidisciplinary approach integrating livestock health, nutrition, disease prevention, market systems development, and community resilience.

The training approach is:

In addition to direct farmer and service provider training, DCA conducts Training of Trainers (ToT) programmes to strengthen local technical capacity and ensure sustainable knowledge transfer within communities.

Courses are delivered in Dari or Pashtu by experienced Afghan trainers using modern audio-visual tools and practical field-based instruction.

Training Courses Offered

DCA delivers a wide range of veterinary training courses, including:

Paravet Course

A 24-week comprehensive training program for community-based veterinary service providers.

Basic Veterinary Worker (BVW) Course

A 4-week course training participants in animal vaccination and essential basic veterinary care.

Refresher Courses

1- to 2-week courses on specialized topics such as artificial insemination, animal nutrition, and laboratory skills.

Sanitary Course

A 1-week course preparing VFU staff to participate in government-led disease surveillance and control campaigns.

Extension Course

A 1-week course focused on translating technical knowledge into practical guidance for farmers.

Veterinary Training Centres

DCA currently operates two veterinary training and support centres located in:

Training facilities include classrooms, dormitories, laboratories, and veterinary libraries. Centres are equipped with microscopes, veterinary instruments, animal models, and audio-visual teaching aids.

The Charikar centre also operates a training farm and chicken hatchery, enabling hands-on practical learning with live animals. Accommodation and full board are provided to trainees who travel from distant provinces.