Read the latest updates and messages from Veterinarians Without Borders.
#VETSVolunteerVoices aims to bring you stories of our passionate VETS program volunteers from the field. This blog was written by Guy Audet, a Business Development Advisor who supported our VETS program partner, WIPVaC-Apex, in Ghana from March to May 2025.
In Meru County, Kenya, Community One Health Champion Ann Kagwira is improving her farm’s productivity and herd health through ongoing collaboration with VETS volunteers and Meru Dairy — demonstrating how long-term support and continuous learning can drive lasting change for farmers and their communities.
As VWB’s Executive Director, Charmaine Brett, prepares to step down in September, she reflects on four years of transformative global work, celebrating milestones in animal care, community resilience, and One Health initiatives. With its bold 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, VWB remains committed to advancing its mission and recruiting new leadership to build on this momentum.
When Hannah Liao, a Master of Science student at the Ontario Veterinary College, traveled to Gjoa Haven with Veterinarians Without Borders, she brought more than just research; she brought a vision for sustainable, community-led veterinary care. Her thesis on Community Animal Health Worker programs explores how local training and a One Health approach can transform access to animal health services in Canada’s North.
As wildfires displace families across Manitoba and other areas of Canada, Veterinarians Without Borders North America is stepping in to ensure animals aren't left behind. Working with over 10 partner organizations, VWB is coordinating emergency shelters, veterinary care, and food deliveries—already supporting more than 650 animals in affected communities.
#VETSVolunteerVoices aims to bring you the stories of our passionate VETS program volunteers from the field. Meet Ian Parfitt, a GIS Mapping Advisor who spent three months in Cambodia (January–April 2025) supporting organic agriculture and digital transformation with our local partner, AVSF Cambodia.
Megan Sylka, Senior Program Officer at VWB, shares how her recent visit to Kenya revealed the powerful ripple effects of the VETS program—highlighting how Community One Health Champion Shelmith Mwai is transforming her dairy farm, her family dynamics, and her community through knowledge, leadership, and collaboration.
This article examines how a One Health approach can transform food safety systems by addressing the interconnected health of people, animals, and the environment—highlighting the importance of cross-sector collaboration, innovations like Canada’s CFSIN, and global strategies to mitigate risks such as antimicrobial resistance, climate change, and zoonotic disease.
VWB announces the upcoming departure of Executive Director Charmaine Brett, who will step down in September after four years of visionary leadership. As Charmaine begins a new chapter, VWB remains grounded in its mission and Strategic Plan—continuing to lead global One Health efforts that improve lives, protect livelihoods, and strengthen communities.
Across war-torn regions in Ukraine the destruction stretches for kilometres. Homes are reduced to rubble, communities have been displaced, and many animals, often the forgotten victims of war, are left to fend for themselves in dangerous, unstable conditions. With your help, along with our local partners, we can ensure that help is there for animals that need it most.
Watch a replay of our World Environment Day 2025 webinar which showcased the voices of VWB’s VETS volunteers working alongside local partners to advance climate-smart agriculture, ecosystem restoration, and One Health solutions. The panelists shared community-led approaches, environmental challenges, and practical innovations from Cambodia, Kenya, and Laos.
From climate-resilient farming to women-led food systems, this impact report explores the achievements of the AGROW program in rural Cambodia. Implemented by VWB from 2022 to 2024 and funded by Global Affairs Canada, AGROW empowered over 21,000 individuals—primarily women—through sustainable agriculture, animal health services, and a holistic One Health approach.
This blog shares firsthand accounts from VWB’s earthquake response in Myanmar, highlighting how local partners are delivering urgent care to people and animals alike, and demonstrating the impact of a locally led, One Health approach in the midst of a humanitarian crisis.
This article explores the critical importance of integrating animal welfare into disaster preparedness, drawing on current research, offering practical strategies, and highlighting how VWB’s One Health initiatives build resilience by strengthening animal health systems and safeguarding livelihoods before and after disasters strike.
This article explores how VWB’s goat farming and cheese-making initiative in Ukraine supported rural families in rebuilding livelihoods during conflict—highlighting sustainable agriculture, community-led training, and a replicable model for economic resilience.
VWB congratulates Prime Minister Mark Carney on his election victory, emphasizing the importance of continued leadership on global One Health challenges, and reaffirming its commitment to strengthening animal health, food security, and resilient communities worldwide.
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.
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.
#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.
Veterinarians Without Borders North America launches an emergency response in Myanmar following the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake, partnering with a trusted local organization to deliver urgent cash assistance and protect food security and livelihoods through a One Health approach.
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.
#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).
The Animals & Ales Pet Photo Contest has officially come to a close! Over $170,000 raised for animals in need.
Veterinarians Without Borders North America (VWB) is excited to announce the winners of its Animals and Ales Pet Photo Contest. Over $170,000 was raised for animals in need.
This article highlights the hidden impact of parasites in livestock, showcasing how VWB’s One Health initiatives in parasite prevention, veterinary training, and community education help protect farmers’ livelihoods, strengthen food security, and reduce zoonotic disease risks.
Watch a replay of our webinar, held on Thursday, March 27, in recognition of Women’s Month 2025, to spotlight the diverse voices of women in VWB’s programs who are driving change in veterinary care, animal health, and One Health initiatives around the world. The panelists shared their experiences, challenges, and innovative solutions.
#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.
Veterinarians Without Borders North America (VWB) is thrilled to announce the launch of its largest-ever Animals & Ales Pet Photo Contest, bringing together pet lovers and craft beer enthusiasts across Canada and the U.S.
In the heart of war-torn Ukraine, where resilience is woven into the fabric of daily life, Veterinarians Without Borders North America's (VWB) Ivan Zenar recently embarked on a trip to help assess the impact of ongoing animal health initiatives.
Veterinarians Without Borders North America responds to the termination of 10,000 foreign aid contracts, emphasizing the devastating impact on vulnerable communities, the risks to global One Health efforts, and its continued commitment to strengthening animal health, food security, and livelihoods.
#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.
Danielle Legault, Program Officer at VWB, shares how climate-smart agriculture is transforming lives in Cambodia. Through AGROW and VETS, farmers like Yoeurn Yorn and Chhaem Chhoeurn are improving their livelihoods and leading their communities in building resilience against climate change.
#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).
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.
In early January, team members from Veterinarians Without Borders North America (VWB) made an inaugural visit to the North, heading to the snowy state of Alaska.
Mercy's journey from smallholder farmer to Community One Health Champion underscores the transformative power of VETS, equipping women with the tools to excel in the dairy industry while fostering sustainable rural development.
This article highlights the importance of animal welfare in livestock production, showcasing how VWB’s initiatives in veterinary training, disease prevention, and farmer education promote humane practices and build resilience against zoonotic risks.
In response to the wildfires that continue across Southern California, Veterinarians Without Borders North America (VWB) is providing critical, on-the-ground support.
#VETSVolunteerVoices aims to bring you stories of our passionate VETS program volunteers from the field. This blog was written by Guy Audet, a Business Development Advisor who supported our VETS program partner, WIPVaC-Apex, in Ghana from March to May 2025.
In Meru County, Kenya, Community One Health Champion Ann Kagwira is improving her farm’s productivity and herd health through ongoing collaboration with VETS volunteers and Meru Dairy — demonstrating how long-term support and continuous learning can drive lasting change for farmers and their communities.
As VWB’s Executive Director, Charmaine Brett, prepares to step down in September, she reflects on four years of transformative global work, celebrating milestones in animal care, community resilience, and One Health initiatives. With its bold 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, VWB remains committed to advancing its mission and recruiting new leadership to build on this momentum.
