Phet Sounthonnavong is the Country Co-ordinator, Laos at Veterinarians Without Borders North America/Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Amérique du Nord.
Phet has over 27 years of experience in international development setting. She has worked in various sectors in Laos including six years of professional management of international volunteer program as a Country Program Manager - her knowledge of the local context, culture, and traditions enables her to provide exceptional care to international volunteers, and outstanding support to partner organizations. She has also worked in public health, agricultural relief, inclusive education, vocational training, and Unexploded Ordnance (UXO)/mine action.
She has been well trained in Exploded Ordnance Risk Education (EORE) by Handicap International France, UNICEF, Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining, UNDP, and National Regulatory Authority (Mine Action Centre in Laos). She is a very experienced EORE practitioner and is passionate about Behavioural Change approach. She has implemented various EORE and UXO Victim Assistance projects for international non-governmental organizations. She has critical experience in the interplay between EORE and UXO Victim Assistance. She was instrumental in work on the epidemiological case-control study and played a key role in the UNDP EORE KAP survey conducted by RK Consulting (EOD) Ltd.
Phet is a dog whisperer and animal lover. When she isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with her dog, family and friends, traveling, and cooking her favourite meals and experimenting new recipes in the kitchen.
In Ghana’s Upper East Region, women Community Animal Health Workers (CAHWs) are transforming animal care and community health. Through VWB’s VETS program, they’re improving livestock management, advancing gender equality, and building resilient One Health systems from the ground up.
Join Veterinarians Without Borders for our virtual 20th Anniversary celebration — 20 Years of Impact: A Celebration of Our Volunteers & VWB in Action. Reflect on two decades of One Health impact and connect with the people shaping a healthier world for animals, people, and the planet.
This field report from Laos shares insights from VWB’s Senior Program Officer, Megan Sylka, highlighting how the VETS program, in partnership with CARE Laos, is empowering women, improving animal health, and helping farming communities build climate resilience through sustainable agriculture and One Health practices.
