Women-led, One Health Solutions in Tanzania

Thanks to the steadfast support of our donors, the women of Itonya and Mboliboli continue to promote innovative ways to improve human and animal health and enable local biodiversity to thrive. Each week, the women meet and disperse into the community to work on activities related to preventive animal health, wildlife conservation, water health and sanitation, and eco-agriculture. The enthusiasm around their work continues to grow as they receive positive feedback from local farmers. We would be remiss not to mention that the women of Mboliboli have even caught the attention of local Masai communities, who are eager to learn more about the women’s water sanitation and health program. Historically, Masai of this region have been cautious about embracing new ideas and methods. However, the women have earned their trust through this new understanding that clean water means healthier animals and healthier children.

The Southern Highland women and FOECOE / EVG Teams are looking forward to carrying this positive momentum forward. Under the leadership of the FOECOE Team and local Tanzanian partners, the community women of Itonya and Mbolboli will be working on transforming their One Health training into practical outputs as they gear up to participate in a regenerative enterprise workshop this summer. They will learn all the ins and outs of creating and running a small-scale enterprise. More specifically, they will be focusing on developing initiatives that address regional environmental and health challenges that build on their achievements over the past year.

While the upcoming workshop is highly anticipated, the women are most excited about sharing One Health ideas with local children. This summer, the Women’s Earth Project will be launching a new program that will bring the One Health concept to public schools. Using art and storytelling as a vehicle of learning and sharing, the FOCOE Team, local teachers, and community women will instill excitement about One Health in primary school children as they explore connections between human, animal, and environmental health.

As always, we are deeply appreciative of your continuous support. We look forward to sharing news of the summer’s activities soon!

Warm regards,

Kate & the EVG / FOECOE Teams