The pristine landscapes of Laos, or the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, are a sight to behold. Creeping jungle weaves through crumbling temples; rugged mountains loom over pools of fresh, spring water; and monks silently pace ancient monasteries. However, in the midst of all this beauty, the country has faced an incredible amount of adversity.

More bombs have been dropped on Laos than on any other
country in the world, with an estimated 260 million bombs falling during the Vietnam War. Laos is also one of the world’s poorest countries, with about half the population living on less than $1.25 a day. And, although 80% of Laotians support themselves through backyard poultry and small-scale livestock rearing, the country has very few veterinarians and no national veterinary curriculum.

To help support these subsistence farmers, VWB/VSF is working with the National University of Laos and other local and regional partners to develop veterinary capacity in several districts in central Laos. VWB/VSF has carried out extensive activities in collaboration with the local villages, and the organization is now working with a country-based project team to develop training materials for animal health workers. By working with local partners, VWB/VSF is helping improve the skills of Laotian animal health workers, while also enhancing community awareness about animal healthcare and improving communications between local people and provincial reporting services. In a region where many emerging infectious diseases are transmitted from animals to humans, the need for improved disease prevention and surveillance is greater than ever.

The National University of Laos has a strong research base in integrated farming and improved animal nutrition, and VWB/VSF aims to support this work and help the university expand their programs to benefit local villagers. Overall it is expected that this project will help subsistence villagers achieve improved livestock production and in turn greater opportunities for income generation.