In the remote expanse of Gubadad Kebele, situated in Ethiopia’s Somali Region, the pastoralist community — where sheep and goats dominate alongside camels and cattle — has long endured the devastating consequences of limited veterinary access. Until recently, Gubadad had no public or private veterinary service providers, leaving pastoralists to battle preventable livestock diseases without professional support.
Recognizing this critical gap, VSF-Suisse conducted a comprehensive needs assessment, identifying the urgent necessity for decentralized animal health services. As a strategic response, we trained and equipped Community Animal Health Workers (CAHW). Among others, 25-year-old Ayanle Bashir, was chosen by the community to serve as a frontline provider of veterinary care. By empowering individuals to lead in their communities, we can build stronger, self-sustaining systems that foster long-term growth and sustainability.
Ayanle Bashir: A Catalyst for Change
Ayanle Bashir underwent an intensive 21-day training program. It covered disease diagnosis, treatment, and herd management. He also received essential veterinary kits and start-up drugs, empowering him to deliver life-saving services to pastoralists.
Since his certification, Ayanle has played a critical role in livestock vaccination campaigns and regular refresher training sessions, facilitated by VSF-Suisse and the woreda veterinary office. Operating on a cost-recovery model, he reinvests earnings from treatment services into restocking his veterinary supplies—ensuring a sustainable and self-sufficient animal health service.
Strengthening Livestock Health and Community Resilience
Over the past two years, Ayanle Bashir has treated a total of 3,865 animals, including: 1,502 sheep, 1,976 goats, 157 cattle and 230 camels.
In addition, he has castrated 670 small stocks: 450 sheep and 220 goats, significantly improving herd productivity and reproductive management. His proactive interventions have reduced livestock morbidity and mortality, directly enhancing household food security, economic stability, and resilience in Gubadad.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite his achievements, Ayanle Bashir faces persistent challenges, including:
- Limited access to veterinary drugs and equipment, requiring frequent travel to Adadle town for restocking.
- Poor road infrastructure and weak network connectivity, making service delivery difficult, especially in remote grazing areas.
Yet, his commitment remains unshaken: “Even when I run low on stock, I make sure to replenish my supplies. I will never stop providing veterinary services to my community,” he affirms.
To sustain and scale his impact, he emphasizes the need for:
- Continuous technical support
- Advanced refresher training
- Stronger veterinary supply chain mechanisms
Transforming Livelihoods: Ayanle’s Impact Beyond Numbers
Ayanle’s impact extends beyond the animals treated. His work is transforming how pastoralist communities can thrive, even in remote areas. With investments in CAHW training, supply chain improvements, and consistent support, VSF-Suisse and partners can scale Ayanle’s success across other kebeles, creating a network of sustainable veterinary services that protect livestock and bolster food security for pastoralists throughout southern Ethiopia.
Empowering Communities: Ayanle’s Legacy of Change
Ayanle’s journey from a young man with a vision to a trusted veterinary leader showcases the power of community-driven change. His story demonstrates how localized interventions can bring about lasting transformation. Thanks to his commitment, Gubadad and similar communities are on a path to a more resilient and prosperous future. By empowering individuals to lead in their communities, we can build stronger, self-sustaining systems that foster long-term growth and sustainability.
Wesinew Adugna
Head of Programs
Ethiopia