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.