Dr Robyn Alders, an Australian veterinarian and AAUN researcher, was recently profiled by Stephen Howes on the Development Policy Centre blog.

In the last two decades, Robyn has worked extensively throughout southern Africa to vaccinate village poultry—and empower women through working closely with local communities.

Robyn has made significant progress to combatting Newcastle disease in chickens in rural communities in southern Africa. She has worked with researchers from Queensland University and ACIAR to introduce a thermo-tolerant vaccine, which can last a few days without refrigeration, into rural communities.

The results have transformed the lives of millions of people in rural communities. The vaccinations have not only helped people in need but it has also empowered the women who sell the vaccines in their local communities.  It is estimated that the number of vaccinations increased from about 1 million in 1999 to almost 20 million in 2012.

Read the full profile of Dr Robyn Alders here.