Ceva Animal Health and WVA Celebrate Global Veterinary Excellence during the 2025 AMVA conference
Ceva Animal Health, the fifth-largest animal health company globally, proudly continues its sponsorship of the 2025 World Veterinary Association (WVA) Awards. As a veterinarian-led company, Ceva prioritises supporting initiatives driven by outstanding veterinary professionals worldwide, honouring their achievements at the awards.
The biggest honour of the night, Veterinarian of the Year, was awarded to Professor Susan W. Mbugua, who was also the winner of the Veterinary Education category. A retired Professor of Veterinary Surgery from the University of Nairobi, she revolutionised veterinary education through her expertise in complex surgical disciplines, while serving as Founding Chairperson of the Kenya Small and Companion Animal Veterinary Association and shaping professional standards across East Africa.
Other winners throughout the night
The prestigious awards recognised five outstanding veterinarians across different categories, each demonstrating excellence and celebrating the remarkable contributions of veterinary professionals worldwide. The winners include:
- Professor Mangala Gunatilake, who was honoured in the Animal Welfare category. A distinguished professor at the University of Colombo, she developed Sri Lanka’s first ethical guidelines for animal-based research and founded the Sri Lanka Association for Laboratory Animal Science (SLALAS), championing compassionate animal care through education, clinical work and advocacy.
- Dr. Randall Singer received top honours in the Medicine Stewardship category. A professor of epidemiology at the University of Minnesota, he has shaped global antimicrobial stewardship through groundbreaking research, policy development, and advisory roles with the U.S. Presidential Council and Codex Alimentarius Task Force on Antimicrobial Resistance.
- Dr. Joni Scheftel, recipient of the One Health award, is a pioneering public health veterinarian with a distinguished four-decade career in advancing the principles of One Health. As a leader in the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and through her work with the Minnesota Department of Health and the University of Minnesota, she has championed antimicrobial stewardship and developed crucial industry resources to safeguard health across species and environments.
- Ahmed Saheed Olaide has been named Veterinary Student of the Year. Ranking among the top students, he excels in molecular diagnostics research and led a groundbreaking study on drug-resistant Salmonellosis in Nigerian donkeys. As National President of International Veterinary Student Association (IVSA) – Nigeria and co-founder of the Bridge Vet Network, he champions animal welfare, responsible antibiotic use, and veterinary education initiatives. Ahmed’s work, supported by major organisations, has significantly influenced veterinary practices and public health policies across Nigeria, demonstrating an outstanding commitment to advancing both animal welfare and public health in the region.
Speaking on the sponsorship, Geraldine Kutas, Corporate Affairs and Communication Executive Vice-President for Ceva Animal Health, said: “At Ceva, we are deeply honoured to support the WVA Global Veterinary Awards. These awards shine a light on the extraordinary dedication of veterinarians and animal health professionals across the world. Their commitment not only safeguards animal well-being but also protects human health and our shared environment. Celebrating their impact is more than recognition—it’s an affirmation of the vital role they play in shaping a healthier, more sustainable future for all.”
