VSF Suisse

Healthy Animals - Healthy People - Healthy Environment Vétérinaires sans Frontières Suisse helps in those parts of the world where poverty is widespread and where there are very limited veterinary structures like for instance in conflict and drought prone areas. In our projects the population benefits from instant support through vaccination campaigns but also from longer-term interventions such as knowledge transfer, training of lay vets or the consultation of public veterinary authorities. Through the fight against animal diseases, especially the so-called zoonoses (diseases such as splenic fever or avian influenza, which are transmissible onto humans) VSF-Suisse makes an important contribution to public health. We at VSF-Suisse support livestock owners on their way to independence. Education plays a key role in this process. We advise livestock owners in the areas of breeding, hygiene and disease prevention and help them to improve the production and marketing of their produce. Further, we encourage the formation of associations and small businesses. Wherever possible we work with local partners and include all stakeholders in all phases of our projects in order to ensure long-term successes. During project conception we pay special attention to social structures, sustainability, ecological viability and animal protection. Vision Healthy people derive their livelihoods from healthy livestock in a sustainable environment. Mission Improve the well-being and resilience of vulnerable populations by promoting the health and productivity of their livestock within a sustainable environment. VSF-Suisse contributes to poverty alleviation through the following interventions: Support income generating activities that allow for a stable income based on livestock and thus contribute to a reduction in malnutrition and poverty. Reduce the effects of diseases that are transmitted from animals onto humans and improve food security. Support victims of catastrophes and improve emergency preparedness. Sensitisation of the Swiss public on the challenges faced by livestock owners in developing countries.