Kerenza Chats with Champions – Special Edition: A Conversation with Amici Cannis, Ecuador

 

Based in the rural Andean town of Cotacachi, Ecuador, Amici Cannis shows how community-based programs can transform animal lives, as well as entire communities.

 

Amici Cannis started with an injured dog and a little boy.
 

In 2013, doctors Heather and Phillip Steyn from Colorado visited Ecuador. Driving through Cotacachi, they saw a sobbing boy next to an injured dog that had just been hit by a car. Because they were unable to find veterinary help, that little boy’s dog tragically died.

 

That heartbreaking moment started a decade-long mission. Back home in the United States, they eventually sold their practice, moved to Ecuador, and established an animal hospital that focuses on high-quality sterilization, vaccination, and community outreach. Today, the organization has 15 staff members in Ecuador and continue to run a sustainable, community-centered animal care program.

 

Community trust is at the heart of why they do what they do

From the start, Alex knew that hiring and training local staff would be critical to their success because of the cultural sensitivities that goes with rural and indigenous areas.  This resulted in a team of Ecuadorians, working with the community. A team familiar to a community that trusts them.  This approach to working with local stakeholders really helped to launch successful door-to-door rabies vaccination campaigns and community outreach efforts. Alex advises organizations to make respectful collaboration the first step: “We always meet with the village leaders, get official approval, and have them share the information with their communities. It is not fast, but it works.”

 

People care!

How communities perceive animals as part of their culture, is one of the greatest barriers to meaningful progress. Talking about how easy it is for outsiders to judge the skinny, parasite-ridden dogs living with rural families, Alex commented: “What many fail to understand is that these people do not have the luxury of choice. They are not abandoning or mistreating their animals, they are doing their best, often with nothing.”

 

Amici Cannis is sensitive to this and really do their best to meet families where they are at. As an organization, they focus on helping families bring their animal numbers to manageable levels through sterilization, offering veterinary care, and ensuring food and water during crises like last year’s drought. Alex comments: “They love their animals. We are just here to help them keep them healthy.

 

Successful rabies elimination is about prevention, education and connection.

Amici Cannis began rabies vaccination campaigns in rural areas with support from Boehringer Ingelheim. Recognizing that Ecuador’s Ministry of Health vaccinations were inconsistent and undocumented, the organization began leaving records with every animal they vaccinated. These records not only help to track vaccine coverage but also empower families with the knowledge that their animals are cared for. Amici Cannis also launched Be Kind, a school education program (including puppet shows for younger children), to teach about dog safety, health, and rabies. “People recognize our lime green van and run out waving. They know we are here to help,” Alex proudly noted.

 

What does the future hold?

Amici Cannis is currently building their own animal hospital after over a decade in a rented space. They have already raised more than USD800,000 and remain hopeful that the remaining funds will come through soon. Building their own hospital will allow them to continue expanding their work with increased services and better equipment. For the future of the greater collaboration, stronger community ownership, and continued education will be key to ensuring long-term success. She ends with this piece of advice: “People used to see us as the outsiders, now they wave us down in the street. That is the kind of trust you can build when you show up, time and time again.”

 

Amici Cannis shows that gaining the community’s trust is possible, that education is one of the most powerful tools and that with the support of a remarkable team, eliminating rabies for everyone is possible! Follow Amici Cannis on Facebook to see their work in action.

 

Kerenza Chats with Champions is a monthly series from GARC, highlighting the passionate people behind global rabies elimination efforts globally.