Connecting Veterinary Professionals Across Continents

When people think of veterinary medicine, they often picture a local clinic caring for dogs and cats. Yet around the world, veterinary expertise also plays a vital role in protecting livelihoods, strengthening food security and building resilient communities.

This was the message shared by VSF-Suisse during the General Assembly of the Swiss Association for Small Animal Medicine (SVK-ASMPA), where Executive Director Flurina Derungs and Board Member Dr. Gregor Schmid presented the organisation’s work and its impact across Africa.

Healthy animals, stronger communities

In many of the regions where VSF-Suisse works, livestock are much more than animals. They are a family’s source of food, income and security.

When animals remain healthy, families can produce milk, earn an income, send their children to school and better withstand the impacts of climate change, conflict and economic shocks. Conversely, disease outbreaks can threaten entire communities, making access to veterinary services essential for long-term resilience.

Through its programmes, VSF-Suisse works alongside pastoralists, agro-pastoralists and farming communities to improve animal health, strengthen veterinary services and support sustainable livelihoods.

A shared commitment within the veterinary profession

The General Assembly provided an opportunity to build bridges between veterinary professionals working in very different contexts but united by the same commitment to animal health.

Whether caring for companion animals in Switzerland or livestock in rural communities across Africa, veterinarians contribute to healthier animals, healthier people and healthier societies.

These exchanges also highlighted the importance of collaboration across the veterinary profession in addressing global challenges such as food security, zoonotic diseases and climate resilience.

Vaccinate for Africa

The event also offered an opportunity to present Vaccinate for Africa, VSF-Suisse’s annual fundraising campaign, which took place from 8 to 13 June 2026.

The campaign invites veterinary practices across Switzerland to support families whose livelihoods depend on healthy livestock. By participating, clinics help improve access to veterinary care for communities where animals are essential for nutrition, income and resilience.

Working together for lasting impact

VSF-Suisse is grateful to the Swiss Association for Small Animal Medicine for the invitation and for the opportunity to engage with its members.

The event served as a reminder that, although veterinarians may work in different environments, they share a common goal: improving animal health to strengthen lives and communities.

From companion animal clinics in Switzerland to livestock-keeping communities across Africa, veterinary medicine has the power to create lasting impact.

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