In a powerful demonstration of partnership and purpose, SWAVET has reinforced the operationalization of One Heath through a timely donation of essential veterinary supplies, fuelling a successful One Health in Action Intervention Day by UNAM Cares in the Schlip Settlement, Hardap region.
The supplies including rabies vaccines, deworming tablets, and dipping solutions to combat tick and flea fever, the intervention directly addressed the persistent risks of zoonotic diseases in informal settlements. Held on 27 March 2026 at Pionier Secondary School, the initiative brought tangible impact to a community facing real challenges in accessing regular veterinary services.
This intervention underscores the critical importance of the operationalization of the One Health approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. By improving animal health at community level, the initiative contributes meaningfully to reducing the risk of zoonotic disease outbreaks.
Dr. Maria Yvonne Hemberger, Head of Para-Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Services at UNAM commended the Schlip community for their evident care and responsibility towards animal health and welfare, while encouraging continued vigilance through regular deworming, rabies vaccinations, and parasite control. “Healthy animals are fundamental to healthy communities,” she emphasized.
The Schlip community was very appreciative of the University’s Corporate Social Responsibility outreach, and thanked SWAVET for enabling UNAM Cares to provide them with relevant and critical veterinary services. For Carmen, the outreach represented more than just a community service, it was a transformative learning experience. She expressed sincere appreciation for the opportunity to engage in hands-on, work-integrated learning through UNAM Cares, describing the initiative as both professionally enriching and socially impactful.
Animal Health Technician, Mr. Bernard Shivera from the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Rural Development (Rehoboth Rural), expressed sincere gratitude to the One Health Pracademics from UNAM Cares for extending their veterinary services. He looks forward to similar impactful engagements in strengthening the Ministry’s outreach service.
On an edutaining note, one hundred and thirty-Nine (139) secondary school learners from Pionier Secondary School in Schlip benefited from a free educational Mobile Planetarium show. Compliments to the Africa Millimetre Telescope.
Prof. Freeman extended heartfelt gratitude to SWAVET and Pionier Secondary School for their invaluable contributions in the successful implementation of the initiative. She, furthermore, highlighted that such collaborations are essential in the operationalizing of sustainable One Health. “This intervention exemplifies what is possible when academia, government, communities, and corporate partners unite around a shared goal,” Prof. Freeman noted. “It is through such partnerships that sustainable, community driven One Health solutions can be realized.”
The One Health in Action intervention was led by Prof. Rachel Freeman (UNAM Cares), in collaboration with Dr. Maria Yvonne Hemberger, a sixth-year Veterinary Medicine student Carmen, and Animal Health Technician Mr. Bernard Shivera. Together, the team treated 120 dogs and 6 cats for rabies, worms, fleas, and tick-borne diseases.
The Schlip intervention stands as a compelling model of integrated action, where knowledge, resources, and community engagement converge to create lasting societal impact.
