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VETS Volunteer Voices: Strengthening Dairy and Soil Health in Kenya

VETS Volunteer Voices: Strengthening Dairy and Soil Health in Kenya

Posted Apr 8th, 2025

#VETSVolunteerVoices aims to bring you the stories of our passionate VETS program volunteers from the field. Meet Donald Hilborn, an Agricultural Advisor who spent three weeks in rural Kenya (January-February 2025). This is Donald's second VETS volunteer placement in Kenya.

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VETS Volunteer Voices: Biosecurity training hatches success for Esther Nyarko's poultry farm in rural Ghana

VETS Volunteer Voices: Biosecurity training hatches success for Esther Nyarko's poultry farm in rural Ghana

Posted Mar 24th, 2025

#VETSVolunteerVoices #aims to brings you stories of our passionate VETS program volunteers from the field. This blog was written by Karissa Gall, a Communications and Gender Advisor who supported our VETS program partner, WIPVaC-Apex, in Ghana earlier this year (January-February 2025).

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VETS Volunteer Voices: Strengthening Climate Resilience and Gender Equality in Laos

VETS Volunteer Voices: Strengthening Climate Resilience and Gender Equality in Laos

Posted Mar 10th, 2025

#VETSVolunteerVoices brings you the stories of our passionate VETS program volunteers from the field. Meet Zainab Baqiri, a Climate Change Advisor who spent four months in Laos (August–November 2024) working with CARE to strengthen climate resilience and adaptation strategies for vulnerable communities.

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VETS Volunteer Voices: Bridging Gender, Livelihoods, and One Health in Laos

VETS Volunteer Voices: Bridging Gender, Livelihoods, and One Health in Laos

Posted Feb 23rd, 2025

#VETSVolunteerVoices brings you the stories of our passionate VETS program volunteers from the field. Meet Dr. Alina Cota-Merlo (DVM), a Gender and Livelihood Advisor who spent three months in Laos (August – November 2024), supporting gender equality, sustainable agriculture, and community-led development.

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VETS Volunteer Voices: Cultivating Soil Health and Sustainable Farming in Cambodia

VETS Volunteer Voices: Cultivating Soil Health and Sustainable Farming in Cambodia

Posted Feb 11th, 2025

#VETSVolunteerVoices aims to bring you the stories of our passionate VETS program volunteers from the field. Meet Harold Rudy, a Sustainable Agriculture Advisor who spent 3 months in rural Cambodia (September - December 2024).

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"The Power of One Action" - Enter the IDW 2025 Social Media Contest!

Posted Feb 5th, 2025

In celebration of International Development Week (IDW) 2025, the Volunteer Cooperation Program (including VWB) invites all Canadians to showcase their impact through a social media contest. Enter today! Share your contributions to social, economic, and environmental change — at home and abroad.

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VETS Volunteer Voices: Advancing Dairy Cow Management and Community Health in Nyeri County, Kenya

VETS Volunteer Voices: Advancing Dairy Cow Management and Community Health in Nyeri County, Kenya

Posted Dec 6th, 2024

#VETSVolunteerVoices aims to bring you the stories of our passionate VETS program volunteers from the field. Meet Paige Villeneuve, an Animal Health Advisor who spent 3 months in rural Kenya (May - August 2024).

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VETS Volunteer Voices: Empowering Women Farmers and Fostering Gender Equity in Kenya

VETS Volunteer Voices: Empowering Women Farmers and Fostering Gender Equity in Kenya

Posted Oct 7th, 2024

#VETSVolunteerVoices aims to bring you the stories of our passionate VETS program volunteers from the field. Meet Madalyn Nielsen, a Gender Advisor Volunteer who spent 3 months in rural Kenya (May - August 2024).

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VETS Volunteer Voices: Enhancing Dairy Production and Farmer Livelihoods in Kenya

VETS Volunteer Voices: Enhancing Dairy Production and Farmer Livelihoods in Kenya

Posted Sep 6th, 2024

#VETSVolunteerVoices aims to bring you the stories of our passionate VETS program volunteers from the field. Meet Dr. Muller Fotsac (DVM), an Animal Health Advisor Volunteer who spent 6 months in rural Kenya (January - June 2024).

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Interested in Volunteering Overseas? Join us for Brunch on September 21 in Montreal

Interested in Volunteering Overseas? Join us for Brunch on September 21 in Montreal

Posted Aug 27th, 2024

Are you passionate about making a difference on a global scale? Do you dream of volunteering overseas and empowering communities in need? Then mark your calendars for an event you won't want to miss...

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VETS Volunteer Voices: Strengthening Poultry Farming through Partnership

VETS Volunteer Voices: Strengthening Poultry Farming through Partnership

Posted Aug 14th, 2024

#VETSVolunteerVoices aims to bring you the stories of our passionate VETS program volunteers from the field. This blog was contributed by Netanya Karmel, an Animal Health Advisor Volunteer supporting our partner, WIPVaC-Apex Ghana (May - August 2024). 

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VETS Volunteer Voices: Building Capacity for a Better Tomorrow

VETS Volunteer Voices: Building Capacity for a Better Tomorrow

Posted Jun 5th, 2024

#VETSVolunteerVoices aims to bring you the stories of our passionate VETS program volunteers from the field. This blog (part 3 of 3) was contributed by Izabela Wlodarczyk, a Communications Volunteer with our VETS program in Laos (Feb-June 2024).

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VETS Volunteer Voices: Promoting Gender Equity in Northern Ghana

VETS Volunteer Voices: Promoting Gender Equity in Northern Ghana

Posted May 21st, 2024

#VETSVolunteerVoices aims to bring you the stories of our passionate VETS program volunteers from the field. This blog was written by Karissa Gall, a Gender Advisor Volunteer in Ghana who worked with our partner, SEND, in January 2024. 

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VETS Volunteer Voices: Brewing Success and Empowerment in Laos

VETS Volunteer Voices: Brewing Success and Empowerment in Laos

Posted Apr 25th, 2024

#VETSVolunteerVoices aims to bring you the stories of our passionate VETS program volunteers from the field. This blog (part 2 of 3) was contributed by Izabela Wlodarczyk, a Communications Volunteer with our VETS program in Laos (Feb-June 2024).

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Reflections from the Red Soils: My VETS volunteer journey in Ghana

Reflections from the Red Soils: My VETS volunteer journey in Ghana

Posted Apr 19th, 2024

#VETSVolunteerVoices aims to bring you the stories of our passionate VETS program volunteers from the field. This reflective blog was contributed by Maria Stanborough, a Communications Volunteer with our VETS program in Ghana in February 2024.

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Nurturing Mother Earth: Transforming Kenya's Dairy Sector through Composting

Nurturing Mother Earth: Transforming Kenya's Dairy Sector through Composting

Posted Apr 18th, 2024

As we mark International Mother Earth Day in 2024, we explore how composting is revolutionizing the dairy sector in Kenya, fostering sustainability and resilience in the face of climate change.

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VETS Volunteer Voices: On and Off the Beaten Path in Laos

VETS Volunteer Voices: On and Off the Beaten Path in Laos

Posted Mar 21st, 2024

#VETSVolunteerVoices aims to bring you the stories of our passionate VETS program volunteers from the field. This blog (part 1 of 3) was contributed by Izabela Wlodarczyk, a Communications Volunteer with our VETS program in Laos (Feb-June 2024).

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VETS Volunteer Voices: Making a Difference in Kenya

VETS Volunteer Voices: Making a Difference in Kenya

Posted Mar 12th, 2024

#VETSVolunteerVoices aims to bring you the stories of our passionate VETS program volunteers from the field! This story was contributed by K. Calahan, a Communications Volunteer with VETS in Kenya in February 2024.

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3 Veterinarians Without Borders volunteers share their northern experiences

3 Veterinarians Without Borders volunteers share their northern experiences

Posted Mar 11th, 2024

As teams arrive in Iqaluit for the first spring rotation of clinics in Canada’s Arctic, three volunteers reflect on their experiences.

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VETS Volunteer Voices: Interview with Dave in Kenya, January 2024

VETS Volunteer Voices: Interview with Dave in Kenya, January 2024

Posted Feb 16th, 2024

#VETSVolunteerVoices aims to bring you the stories of our passionate VETS program volunteers from the field! Meet Dr. Dave Douglas (DVM), a volunteer with VWB's VETS Program, who spent time in Kenya.

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Unleashing Hope in the North: Meet Jocelyn Skeard, northern community liaison with Veterinarians Without Borders

Unleashing Hope in the North: Meet Jocelyn Skeard, northern community liaison with Veterinarians Without Borders

Posted Jan 4th, 2024

As a longtime community member, community liaison, and key stakeholder in establishing the Veterinarians Without Borders North America (VWB) clinics, Jocelyn's impact is deeply rooted within the community, reaching into the realm of national animal healthcare platforms.

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On the Path to Gender Equity in One Health Initiatives:  My VETS Volunteer Journey

On the Path to Gender Equity in One Health Initiatives: My VETS Volunteer Journey

Posted Dec 18th, 2023

#VETSVolunteerVoices: "In the world of One Health initiatives, my VETS volunteer journey with Veterinarians without Borders in Vietnam has been nothing short of transformative. Let me take you through the incredible story of how a collaborative effort is making significant strides in championing gender equity..."

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VETS Volunteer Voices: Interview with Regan in Vietnam, October 2023

VETS Volunteer Voices: Interview with Regan in Vietnam, October 2023

Posted Nov 14th, 2023

#VETSVolunteerVoices aims to bring you the stories of our passionate VETS program volunteers from the field! Meet Dr. Regan McLeod, a volunteer with VWB/VSF's VETS Program, who spent time in Vietnam.

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VETS Volunteer Voices: Interview with Kavitha in Vietnam, October 2023

VETS Volunteer Voices: Interview with Kavitha in Vietnam, October 2023

Posted Oct 31st, 2023

#VETSVolunteerVoices aims to bring you the stories of our passionate VETS program volunteers from the field! Meet Kavitha Sriparamananthan, a volunteer with VWB/VSF's VETS Program, who is currently placed in Vietnam.

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Celebrating RVT Month: Meet VWB/VSF's Geneviève Douyon, RVT

Celebrating RVT Month: Meet VWB/VSF's Geneviève Douyon, RVT

Posted Oct 23rd, 2023

In honour of RVT Month, meet VWB/VSF's Geneviève Douyon, a RVT who is working to support animal health across Canada's North.

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VETS Volunteer Voices: Interview with Keisha in Ghana, July 2023

VETS Volunteer Voices: Interview with Keisha in Ghana, July 2023

Posted Oct 17th, 2023

#VETSVolunteerVoices aims to bring you the stories of our passionate VETS program volunteers from the field! Meet Dr. Keisha Harris, an alumni volunteer with VWB/VSF's Young Volunteer Program, who recently completed her placement in Ghana.

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VETS Volunteer Voices: Interview with Marley in Ghana, July 2023

VETS Volunteer Voices: Interview with Marley in Ghana, July 2023

Posted Oct 3rd, 2023

#VETSVolunteerVoices aims to bring you the stories of our passionate VETS program volunteers from the field! Meet Marley Blok, an alumni volunteer with VWB/VSF's Young Volunteer Program, who recently completed her placement in Ghana.

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VETS Volunteer Voices: Interview with Sandra in Ghana, July 2023

VETS Volunteer Voices: Interview with Sandra in Ghana, July 2023

Posted Sep 13th, 2023

#VETSVolunteerVoices aims to bring you the stories of our passionate VETS program volunteers from the field! First up is Sandra Nyman, a member of our Young Volunteer Program, who recently completed her placement in Ghana.

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True North Calling: Access to Care Award recipient, Alison Buckland's, journey to becoming a vet tech in Yellowknife, NWT

True North Calling: Access to Care Award recipient, Alison Buckland's, journey to becoming a vet tech in Yellowknife, NWT

Posted Sep 7th, 2023

Across Canada's North, access to veterinary care is extremely limited. Meet one Yellowknife resident, and Access to Care Award recipient, who is hoping to change that.

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The Vital Role of Vaccinating Farm Animals in Africa to Prevent Zoonotic Spread

The Vital Role of Vaccinating Farm Animals in Africa to Prevent Zoonotic Spread

Posted Jul 5th, 2023

Across Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia, VWB/VSF collaborates with local partners, tackling various diseases, including zoonotic threats like COVID-19, rabies, and anthrax, through farm animal vaccination campaigns. Recently, our VETS volunteers joined local partners in Ghana to help vaccinate sheep, goats, and cattle against anthrax.

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Fostering Connections and Building Trust: Insights from VWB/VSF's Northern Animal Health Initiative

Fostering Connections and Building Trust: Insights from VWB/VSF's Northern Animal Health Initiative

Posted Jul 4th, 2023

Alumni VWB/VSF volunteer, Nicole Geddes, shares her insights and experiences volunteering as part of our Northern Animal Health Initiative.

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Even small changes can have a huge impact; implementing sustainable dairy technologies across farms in Kenya

Even small changes can have a huge impact; implementing sustainable dairy technologies across farms in Kenya

Posted Jun 28th, 2023

Learn how Veterinarians Without Borders/Vétérinaires Sans Frontières and our alumni VETS volunteer, Nafhtari Wanjiku, have worked with local partners, and farmers like Ann Mwangi, in Kenya to promote sustainable dairy farming practices among small-scale farmers.

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Our VETS YVP volunteers in Ghana are helping local animal health workers vaccinate goats, sheep, and more against disease

Our VETS YVP volunteers in Ghana are helping local animal health workers vaccinate goats, sheep, and more against disease

Posted May 31st, 2023

Keisha, Marley, and Sandra joined other animal health workers to vaccinate goats and sheep against PPR.

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Meet Dr. Joseph Ansong-Danquah, a volunteer in Ghana through our VETS program

Meet Dr. Joseph Ansong-Danquah, a volunteer in Ghana through our VETS program

Posted Apr 24th, 2023

Meet Dr. Joseph Ansong-Danquah; a retired veterinarian from Canada who has been donating his time to help animals and communities throughout rural Ghana.

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National Volunteer Week: Meet Natalia, a recent VETS volunteer in Ghana

National Volunteer Week: Meet Natalia, a recent VETS volunteer in Ghana

Posted Apr 18th, 2023

Natalia shares all she learned during her recent VETS volunteer posting in Ghana, as a communications specialist.

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National Volunteer Week: Meet Tasha, a recent volunteer at our northern clinics

National Volunteer Week: Meet Tasha, a recent volunteer at our northern clinics

Posted Apr 17th, 2023

It's National Volunteer Week! To celebrate the incredible impact of VWB/VSF's volunteers, we're featuring five incredible volunteers who have made a significant impact for animals and communities.

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The benefits of biogas: How biogas training and implementation on farms in Kenya is making a difference

The benefits of biogas: How biogas training and implementation on farms in Kenya is making a difference

Posted Apr 14th, 2023

In Kenya, we're working through a One Health lens with on-the-ground volunteers and partners to help farmers implement biogas fuel systems on their farms.

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VWB/VSF VETS volunteer alumni, Younoussa, on implementing best practices in pesticide use in Senegal

VWB/VSF VETS volunteer alumni, Younoussa, on implementing best practices in pesticide use in Senegal

Posted Apr 3rd, 2023

VWB/VSF alumni VETS volunteer, Younoussa Barry, is an environmental and agroecology expert. He spent time training local farmers about best practices in pesticide use to help improve the quality of crops, while also ensuring people, animals, and the environment remain protected from the pesticide's potentially negative side effects.

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VWB/VSF communications volunteer, Natalia, celebrates Ghana's independence and investment in animal health

VWB/VSF communications volunteer, Natalia, celebrates Ghana's independence and investment in animal health

Posted Mar 30th, 2023

Natalia is currently working in Ghana as a communications volunteer. She recently celebrated Ghana's 66th year of independence in Accra with the GAPNET team and a very special guest.

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Veterinarians Without Borders' #IDW203 Webinars - Feb. 8 & Feb. 10

Veterinarians Without Borders' #IDW203 Webinars - Feb. 8 & Feb. 10

Posted Jan 25th, 2023

As part of #IDW2023, Veterinarians Without Borders/Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Canada (VWB/VSF) will be hosting two webinars focused on building a more sustainable future.

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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.

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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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  • My voluntary assignments in Ghana for the past three years have dramatically improved animal production in terms of reducing mortality and increasing the size of the herd/flock.
    - Joseph Ansong-Danquah

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