Empower Women as Poultry Health Champions

In Sidama Region, our fifteenth poultry vaccination campaign has just been completed across Aleta Chuko and Aleta Wondo districts. With 108 trained community vaccinators working across 58 kebeles, more than 64,000 chickens were protected against Newcastle disease.

For many rural households, poultry is primarily managed by women. Chickens provide eggs for children, income for school fees, and a small but steady financial buffer in times of need. When Newcastle disease strikes, it can wipe out entire flocks in a matter of days, undermining both nutrition and income. Preventing the disease is one of the most effective ways to safeguard women’s livelihoods and strengthen household resilience. 

Importantly, many of the community vaccinators are poultry farmers themselves. During vaccination campaigns, they earn additional income while also providing an essential animal health service within their own communities. Their dual role strengthens trust, improves uptake of vaccines, and builds local capacity in animal health more broadly. 

This model continues to show that protecting poultry is about much more than animal health. It is about empowering women, generating income, and creating stronger, more resilient rural communities.

Thank you for helping make this possible.

Our community-based vaccination program in Ethiopia continues to make a powerful difference in rural communities.

During our 14th Newcastle disease vaccination campaign, an incredible 74,700 chickens were vaccinated, protecting the flocks of 27,724 households across participating districts.

The impact of this work is clear. Local farmers tell us that since the program began, the number of chickens dying has dropped dramatically and in some areas has completely stopped. This means healthier flocks, more eggs and meat available for families, and greater household income stability.

Recently, our Program Impact Coordinator Lauren joined Wondosen, our Ethiopia Program Coordinator, on a visit to Aleta Wendo district in the Sidama region to check in on one of these vaccination campaigns. Spending time out in the field with some of the incredible community vaccinators, they witnessed first-hand how dedicated and skilled these local champions have become. 

Every vaccination round brings us closer to a future where families can depend on their chickens for nutrition and income all year round.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Your support is helping protect livelihoods, strengthen food security and empower communities across Ethiopia.