In addition to our core veterinary and education work, SPANA operates an outreach and emergency programme. We believe we can have most impact when working with other trusted partner organisations, and we invite applications for small funds and technical advice for working animal projects involving the provision of veterinary care, training or community education. We also implement emergency interventions in disasters and conflicts, to protect the working animals of communities that rely on them for their livelihoods.
Aims of the Outreach and Emergency Programme
The aim of our outreach and emergency programme is to reach the communities that depend on working animals, providing them with immediate relief and long term solutions to protect their livelihoods and optimise animal welfare. We are committed to caring for working animals and assisting the families that depend on them, and our support of local organisations enables us to help more animals, spreading our vital message to communities worldwide.
See below for a few examples of SPANA’s recent outreach and emergency projects:
Mongolia
Mongolia is susceptible to a weather phenomenon known as the dzud – a disaster involving a summer drought followed by a harsh winter with heavy snow, ice and temperatures as low as minus 50c, devastating the livelihoods of thousands of herding families.
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Kenya
Northern Kenya is an isolated and undeveloped region where many communities are reliant on animals for their livelihoods. Drought is common, and when the rains fail it can have devastating consequences for working animals, livestock and the families that rely on them. SPANA has recently funded two projects to promote animal health and build resilience amongst pastoralist communities.
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Zimbabwe
As the economic situation in Zimbabwe deteriorated, poorer rural communities became increasingly reliant on donkeys for trade and transport. Few vets are now working in the country: if an animal becomes injured or falls sick their owner may be may struggle to find trained veterinary workers to treat them. SPANA has been working with two partner organisations to deliver programmes to improve the welfare of Zimbabwe’s working donkeys.
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Video: Kenya and Somalia
If it’s just one of those days – you know, it’s raining outside, electricity bill is overdue for paying, tedious bit of work that must be done – well, let me tell you, you have nothing to really complain about.
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