Vaccines & Medicines

Vaccines & Medicines Program

Ensuring Quality Veterinary Pharmaceuticals Across Afghanistan

Safe Import and Distribution

Access to reliable vaccines and medicines is critical for effective livestock health management. In Afghanistan, veterinary pharmaceuticals are commonly purchased in local bazaars due to affordability. However, many products available in these markets are counterfeit, expired, or improperly stored, reducing their effectiveness and putting livestock health at risk.

Ensuring the availability of quality veterinary vaccines and medicines has been a core priority of DCA since the start of its veterinary programme in 1988.

Import and Distribution

From the outset of its veterinary programme, DCA imported quality veterinary vaccines from international producers. In parallel, the Afghanistan Veterinary Association managed the importation of quality veterinary medicines. DCA distributed these vaccines and medicines to Veterinary Field Unit (VFU) staff for use in local livestock treatment and disease prevention. During the early stages of the programme, vaccinations and treatments were subsidized, allowing farmers to experience the effectiveness of proper veterinary pharmaceuticals at little or no cost. As livestock owners observed the tangible benefits of effective vaccines and medicines, they became willing to pay for these services, supporting the transition toward sustainable veterinary care.

Cold Chain SYSTEM

The Dutch Committee for Afghanistan (DCA) aims to maintain the quality, safety, and integrity of perishable goods, including, vaccines, medicines, and other temperature-sensitive medical supplies, despite fluctuating temperatures and logistical constraints.

To strengthen the cold chain system, DCA plans to establish one central and four regional cold chain facilities in Kabul, Herat, Balkh, Kandahar, and Nangarhar provinces. These facilities will supply 420 Veterinary Field Units (VFUs) with vaccines and medicines in accordance with cold chain standards.

The initiative also includes training veterinary staff and community workers on cold chain management, as well as implementing monitoring and maintenance protocols. These measures are intended to reduce wastage, support livestock health and productivity, and improve the effectiveness of veterinary services at the community level.

VetServ: A Sustainable Solution

To enhance long-term sustainability, DCA gradually transitioned the import and distribution of veterinary pharmaceuticals to the private sector. As a result, VetServ was established as a commercial enterprise and officially registered in January 2011. VetServ imports high-quality veterinary vaccines, medicines, and equipment from reputable international manufacturers. The company is responsible for maintaining and expanding the cold chain infrastructure originally developed by DCA.

To guide VetServ during its development phase, DCA became a shareholder of the company. Over time, DCA’s shares have been progressively transferred to VetServ’s Executive Director. Today, VetServ operates as a successful and profitable independent enterprise. While commercially independent, VetServ remains committed to DCA’s mission of improving animal health and livestock production across Afghanistan.