Ivan Zenar is the Deputy Director, International Development and Humanitarian Program at Veterinarians Without Borders North America/Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Amérique du Nord.
Ivan joined Veterinarians Without Borders in May of 2024 as the Deputy Director of International Development and Humanitarian Program.
Ivan has over 20 years of experience in humanitarian and development programming, managing projects and operations in Cambodia, Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Libya, and in Canada. His experiences have taken him to conflict areas, post conflict, and supporting communities with long term development across (just about) all sectors. Ivan began his career in Cambodia as an intern and never looked back.
Ivan settled in Ottawa with his wife Diana, where they made their home and family.
This article explores the diverse and often underrecognized roles of veterinarians within a One Health framework, highlighting how their work in animal health, food safety, wildlife conservation, and climate adaptation strengthens communities, safeguards ecosystems, and supports global health resilience.
This article examines the vital role of veterinarians in immunization and disease prevention, highlighting how VWB’s One Health approach — through vaccination campaigns, CAHW training, and real-time disease surveillance — protects public health, supports farmer livelihoods, and strengthens animal health systems in vulnerable communities.
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.
