A note from Charmaine Brett, executive director, VWB
At this critical time, Veterinarians Without Borders North America (VWB) is announcing an important initiative in Gaza, in collaboration with our local partner, the Palestinian Al Nakheel Association for Progress and Development.
This program has been created after much research and careful consideration, with the ultimate goal of helping to alleviate a famine that the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, United Nations, and World Health Organization, among other leading global organizations, have warned is imminent.
VWB has meticulously crafted this program to embody the One Health model, which is the heart of each of our programs. This program will emphasize the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. By doing so, it will address the complex health challenges faced by the conflict-affected communities across the Gaza Strip.
In the acute phase of our response, we will address the immediate food crisis by distributing essential fresh vegetable items to 85 households in the Al Mawasi Area, Khan Younis. This effort is designed to provide vital vitamins and minerals to over 500 individuals while emphasizing local sourcing and also strengthening local supply chains.
As we transition into the program's second phase, our focus will shift towards long-term sustainability and resilience. We plan to support poultry farmers by providing chicks, necessary feed resources, and solar-powered water pumps, with the goal of enhancing food security, ecological sustainability, and social equity.
Our holistic strategy not only aims to restore and improve the immediate health and well-being of Gaza's population, but also seeks to ensure the resilience and sustainability of its food production systems against future challenges. This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to the One Health approach, integrating both human and animal health needs with best farming practices and environmental sustainability.
As we roll this program out, we are asking for your help in ensuring that families across Gaza can access the food and resources they so desperately need. We will keep you updated on our progress and the positive changes we aim to bring to the communities we serve in Gaza.
Thank you for your continued support and for believing that, together, we can make a difference for all.
