Elanco Supports Zambian Communities

Elanco’s Contribution Supports Zambian Communities

In 2008, Elanco provided the Heifer Zambia program with a valuable gift of veterinary kits which have been utilized as part of the Community Animal Healthcare Workers program to support Heifer projects in rural communities.

During a training from June 16-26, 2008, at the Zambia Institute of Animal Health (ZIAH) in Mazabuka, 25 farmers from 10 cattle projects received training in animal husbandry skills. The trained Community Animal Healthcare Workers were provided with a kit donated by Elanco and will go on to serve over 820 families in their respective communities. View a slide show of the training.

Progress Since the Training

Communities have shown support to the CAHWs. The trainees were chosen by their own communities and this has enhanced ownership and sustainability of this initiative. All project members have welcomed them as this has greatly reduced the distance which they previously had to travel to access veterinary services.

CAHWs have offered basic training to their fellow members in livestock production, routine operations and animal health care. This has greatly helped to build local community’s capacities in early detection of animal diseases and reporting.

A drug revolving fund has been established and veterinary medicines are offered on a cost-recovery basis. A 20-25 percent markup is added to enable CAHWs to set up a revolving fund from which they will replenish their stocks. A reliable local drug source has been identified.

Animal health committees have been established. They are led by the trained CAHWs and include project members who oversee the management of the revolving fund. They also work in collaboration with the veterinary department to disseminate animal health messages to project members.

Community-Based Animal Health Services

Immediate Benefits

• Easy access to animal health services: Since the CAHW’s are Heifer beneficiaries of livestock placement there has been an improvement in livestock health and care in the project areas. The local communities value the presence of the trained CAHW’s.
• Inexpensive services make them available to the most vulnerable families; those with limited resources.
• Responsive services reduce livestock morbidity and mortality and since the CAHW’s are part of the community they are always on call to respond to the needs of their neighbors.
• Improved livestock health and productivity has been seen because the CAHW’s work with farmers to provide scheduled vaccinations and reduce the spread of livestock diseases.

Long Term Benefits

• Improved livelihoods as a result of high producing, healthy animals.
• Increased Government Support as they acknowledge the communities ability to complement government and private services.
• Employment opportunities and support of the rural economy.
• Provides a foundation for launching emerging community development opportunities such as A.I. services, agro-input marketing, agriculture information centers, etc.