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VWB/VSF in Africa

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Veterinarians Without Borders North America/Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Amérique du Nord couldn't do the work we do without your support. Whether it's a financial donation or a donation of your time, by improving the health of animals you will be working to improve the health and quality of life for people throughout the world.

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What We're Working On

In Sub-Saharan Africa, investing in animal health is essential not just for the well-being of animals but also for the prosperity of the local communities that rely on them for their livelihoods. This region faces unique challenges due to climate change, which underscores the urgency of adopting sustainable and climate-smart agricultural practices.

At VWB/VSF, we are deeply committed to working hand-in-hand with local partners and communities in Sub-Saharan Africa through a range of One Health projects. One initiative is the extensive Volunteers Engaged in Gender-Responsive Technical Solutions (VETS) program, generously funded by Global Affairs Canada. From 2020-2028, this program will deploy 190 dedicated Canadian volunteers on behalf of VWB/VSF to Cambodia, Ghana, Kenya, and Senegal. The primary goal is to uplift the economic and social well-being of marginalized individuals, especially women and girls, in six countries across Africa and Asia.

In South Sudan, VWB/VSF's local team is working to implement interventions that strengthen agricultural resilience, reduce vulnerabilities, and enhance the capacity of local communities to cope with challenges at the national level.

Similarly, our Community One Health Empowerment Rwanda and Senegal (COHERS) program is in close partnership with local organizations. Together, we are dedicated to advancing public health, veterinary care, and environmental policies under a single, inclusive umbrella. Our approach balances the well-being of humans, animals, and ecosystems throughout the region.

See below to learn more about each of our current projects in Africa.

Current Projects in Africa

Women in Rwanda smiling

Community One Health Empowerment in Rwanda and Senegal (COHERS)

PROGRAM DETAILS
PROJECT DATES: 2023-2027
PROJECT GOAL:

To empower communities to improve health outcomes through One Health approaches to prevent, detect, and respond to prevalent zoonoses, including anthrax and cysticercosis. 

FUNDING PARTNERS:

Global Affairs Canada 

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Strengthening One Health Systems for the Protection of Health and Livelihoods (1-SHOP)

PROGRAM DETAILS
PROJECT DATES: 2024-2026
PROJECT GOAL:

To enhance the resilience of pastoralist communities in Torit County against animal diseases, including zoonoses and antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

FUNDING PARTNERS:

Zoetis Foundation

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Volunteers Engaged in Gender-Responsive Technical Solutions (VETS)

PROGRAM DETAILS
PROJECT DATES: 2020-2028
PROJECT GOAL:

To work to improve the economic and social well-being of the world’s most marginalized people, particularly women and girls, in six countries across Africa and Asia (i.e., Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam).

FUNDING PARTNERS:

Global Affairs Canada

LEARN MORE

  • COHERS

    Community One Health Empowerment Rwanda & Senegal (COHERS) is a strategically designed initiative that aims to address One Health Empowerment in Rwanda and Senegal.
    Read more »
  • Ghana

    Since 2015, VWB/VSF has been working in Ghana to provide skilled volunteers to assist local partners in improving the nutrition and livelihoods of smallholder farmers.
    Read more »
  • Kenya

    The Kenyan dairy industry contributes to the livelihoods of many farmers who lack formal economic opportunities and are subsistence farmers, wholly relying on livestock for income and nutrition.
    Read more »
  • Senegal

    In Senegal, Veterinarians Without Borders provides training to pastoralists on herd health, flock management, and climate-smart agriculture practices.   
    Read more »
  • Strengthening One Health Systems for the Protection of Health and Livelihoods (1-SHOP)

    South Sudan is facing a state of emergency around food security and livelihoods due to longstanding violent political conflicts and the effects of climate change.
    Read more »

Stories From Around The World

Dog Bite Prevention Week: Protecting people, animals, and communities in the far North

Dog Bite Prevention Week: Protecting people, animals, and communities in the far North

Posted Apr 14th, 2025

In remote areas, like the far North, dog bites are more prevalent. This Dog Bite Prevention Week, we're raising awareness about how reading dog body language and improving access to veterinary care can reduce bites—and prevent the spread of diseases like rabies.

Read more

At the Epicenter: Why Animal Health and a One Health Response are Critical in Myanmar’s Earthquake Crisis

At the Epicenter: Why Animal Health and a One Health Response are Critical in Myanmar’s Earthquake Crisis

Posted Apr 8th, 2025

This blog examines the critical role of animal health in Myanmar’s earthquake response, highlighting the interconnected impacts on people, animals, and livelihoods. It outlines the rationale for a One Health approach and details how VWB is responding through a coordinated, two-phase intervention.

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Beyond the Clinic: Why Veterinarians are Key to Preventing the Next Pandemic

Beyond the Clinic: Why Veterinarians are Key to Preventing the Next Pandemic

Posted Apr 6th, 2025

This article explores the critical role of veterinarians in global health, emphasizing how VWB’s One Health efforts—including veterinary training, community-based service delivery, and workforce development—help prevent pandemics, protect livelihoods, and build resilient animal and public health systems.

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  • I loved being placed in Ghana and believe I made a significant impact to the communities.
    - Madison Russel

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