By Farzana Chaudhry | Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE: The University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) Lahore and the Institute of Public Health (IPH) Lahore have initiated discussions on launching a joint Bachelor of Science (BS) degree program in Human Nutrition and Dietetics to strengthen academic collaboration and promote public health education.

The proposal was discussed during a meeting held at the UVAS City Campus on Monday, chaired by UVAS Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Masood Rabbani.

The meeting was attended by IPH Dean and Chief Executive Officer Prof. Dr. Saira Afzal, UVAS Dean, Faculty of Biosciences Prof. Dr. Habib-ur-Rehman, Chairman, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition Prof. Dr. Sanaullah Iqbal, directors of the Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC), ORIC, Advanced Studies, and faculty members from the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition.

Participants explored opportunities for collaboration in academic and research initiatives, public health, One Health, preventive healthcare, and the proposed joint degree program. Both institutions agreed to nominate focal persons to finalize the modalities for launching the BS Human Nutrition and Dietetics program.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Dr. Masood Rabbani highlighted UVAS’s academic, research, and development initiatives, emphasizing the university’s commitment to enhancing the quality of undergraduate education and providing students with skill-based training.

He said UVAS is actively strengthening its partnerships with industry and requested IPH’s support in facilitating internship placements for Nutrition and Dietetics students at hospitals affiliated with the institute.

Prof. Dr. Saira Afzal outlined IPH’s academic and preventive healthcare initiatives and expressed interest in expanding collaboration with UVAS in the fields of microbiology, One Health, food safety, public health, and business education.

Earlier, Prof. Dr. Saira Afzal called on Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Masood Rabbani to discuss matters of mutual interest and explore avenues for long-term institutional cooperation.