In South Kivu, as in many parts of Africa, the population suffers from understaffing and lack of capacity in health systems. Although diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans are common, doctors and vets are not used to working together or to consulting environmental specialists. Our One Health project, implemented in partnership with Médecins du Monde and Action pour le Développement des Milieux Ruraux, aims to decompartmentalise health systems to improve the management of health risks in the eastern DRC.
DR Congo: an unprecedented One Health project in the heart of an area at risk from new, emerging pandemics
The Congolese people who live around the Kahuzi-Biega National Park share their homes with their livestock and go into the forest every day, where disease-carrying wild animals live. In doing so, they unwittingly expose themselves to zoonotic diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans, which is how pandemics such as Covid-19 begin. This observation has prompted the consortium composed of Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Belgium, Médecins du Monde and Action pour le Développement des Milieux Ruraux to develop an unprecedented One Health project to the east of this nature reserve in South Kivu.
Flooding in South Kivu: our campaign to bring relief to the victims
In the night of 4 to 5 May 2023, an unprecedented flood ravaged Kalehe Territory in South Kivu, claiming more than 400 victims and destroying thousands of people’s homes. Thanks to our generous donors, we have been able to provide food aid to almost 300 people. A look back at that terrible night through the stories of three people caught up in the disaster.
Mauritanian smallholder farmers absorb the biggest climate shocks
Many smallholder farmers in Mauritania are being hit very hard by the changing climate. To help them face climate shocks with resilience, we distribute food and cash, strengthen their animal health care skills and help them fight soil erosion.
New report on the success and challenges of Community Animal Health Workers
In the framework of a two-year project with the World Organisation for Animal Health, Vétérinaires Sans Frontières International just published an interesting literature review about Community Animal Health Workers. The network recommends several ways to improve practices.
More than 500 students made aware of food sovereignty
Two awareness-raising events marked the start of this year in the French-speaking part of Belgium. In partnership with SOS Faim, we raised awareness of pastoralism and the challenges surrounding agriculture and nutrition among more than 500 agronomy and veterinary students in Wallonia.
Food distribution: a crucial boost for displaced families in Niger
Between July and September 2022, our team in Niger organised three food distributions in the south-west of the country. More than 7,500 displaced people and their host families from agropastoral communities received food aid. Djibo Mazou Boubacar, who headed the operation, answered our questions a few months later, following a satisfaction survey.
Hidden dimensions of the conflict in Karamoja
Pastoralists in Karamoja, Uganda, are suffering from conflicts. Several victims testify on how they are forced to search for ways to survive. From peace forums to micro-credit, Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Belgium guides them in their search for hope.
“Pastoralism is the best way for people to meet their needs in Karamoja”
In north-eastern Uganda, Karamojong pastoralists have been going through a difficult period since last summer. Drought combined with the impact of the war in Ukraine and insecurity has taken its toll on the most vulnerable. For our colleague Emmanuel Emaruk, pastoralism remains the best response to the challenges faced in Karamoja.
Looking back at 2022
We are coming to the end of 2022, and it has been a rich year, both in the regions in Africa where we intervene and in Belgium. These images offer a reminder of some of the milestones of the past year.