Jarrah Young was Kyeema’s first Australian Youth Ambassador for Development volunteer. In 2010, having developed an interest in research, she commenced a 12-month volunteer assignment at ILRI in Nairobi, Kenya. Here she made valuable contributions to a World Bank zoonotic disease project, an impact assessment on the World Bank Avian Influenza project in Nigeria and a study on disease interaction between wildlife and livestock in Kenya. And she also undertook a major study on understanding adoption of vaccines by small-holder farmers, using control of Newcastle disease in Kenya and Tanzania as case studies.

The impact and calibre of Jarrah’s work with the AYAD program was reflected in her being accepted for an additional twelve month contract at ILRI. She was looking forward to continuing her work and using the findings of the study to identify and implement appropriate strategies which could be used to improve vaccine adoption. Her depth of satisfaction with her career choice and the passion for her role as a veterinarian in a developing country, where she could really ‘make a difference’, was truly inspirational.

Jarrah tragically passed away on a tour bus accident whilst holidaying in Namibia in February 2012 before starting back at ILRI. She made a lasting, wonderful impression on all she met and worked with, and is sadly missed. She is remembered as a very talented, dedicated, focused and committed veterinarian. She was personable, positive and an excellent communicator. She was instrumental in the development of several future AYAD assignments.