I particularly want to highlight our work in an increasingly troubled Ethiopia. The Kyeema team and activities are quietly addressing issues that go to the heart of sustainable development and resilience in Ethiopia. We are continuing our work in small-holder livestock vaccination but with a view to the future have coupled that with support for female veterinary graduates to be able to establish their own practices and service otherwise vulnerable communities.

This similar pragmatic approach to long-term growth and resilience is also reflected in our Mozambique program where the now legendary Dr Rosa Costa leads a team that in the last year is helping women, including women with disabilities sustainably increase their income or establish new commercial operations. This may sound like a relatively small number in comparison to some gaudy institutional strengthening activities but in an area marred by internal conflict and with genuine poverty and malnutrition concerns this program plays a vital role in helping marginalised communities make a step forward.

I am equally as proud of the work we are doing in my own backyard here in the Pacific. Our PNG program continues to strengthen as our reputation as an honest, practical, and listening partner of choice for communities grows. Demand for the activities and training Kyeema is providing is almost outstripping our ability to supply at the moment but we are confident that as our team grows and partnerships deepen we will reach more communities with this important work.

One new aspect of work straddling both Africa and the Pacific has been developed with our own Dr Eliza Smith working with the Food and Agriculture Organization to train veterinary paraprofessionals to deliver programs in  communities for improved farm biosecurity and One Health services. It is also supporting better communication between human, animal and environmental health professionals in underserved rural communities.

Finally I want to provide specific mention to our corporate partners. In particular the programs that we are delivering through our partnership with Palladium are examples of the value of very well curated procurement to find quality development activities. We hope that the Palladium staff interacting with Kyeema are finding the experience rewarding and I want to commend the team there for continuing to seek out and support sophisticated and impactful projects.

Thank you all for your dedication and support – we look forward to many great new dawns! out to my predecessor Celia Grenning who has been a great mentor and continues as an important compadre for myself and the organisation.

Finally, I want to take a moment to thank the Kyeema Board who have supported me to make this role and organisation rewarding and effective.  I look forward to continuing all of these relationships in the coming years.