Oct 10, 2020(Nyamilepedia) — Indian veterinarians working with UNMISS spent a week in Pibor this week treating livestock and training locals.
“Our veterinarians worked tirelessly to alleviate the pain and suffering of no less than 423 cattle, 197 sheep and 411 goats,” says Lieutenant Colonel Fernandes Richmark Igni, who is in charge of this particular outreach programme.
The Vets also established a local team of seven Community Animal Health Workers in the volatile Greater Pibor Administrative Area.
The outburst of violence which claimed many lives and displaced thousands of people did not spare livestock and many of these animals were lost in a number of raids and revenge killings.
The initiative took place despite recent ethnic conflicts in the area.
Livestock, including cattle is very essential to the livelihood of many south Sudanese people, and so they require care and medical attention when weak or sick.
In line with its mandate of protecting civilians, the UN peacekeeping mission continues to make all possible efforts to also maintain the livelihoods of South Sudanese citizens.
“To gain a better understanding of the needs on the ground, we also made sure to liaise with local authorities, volunteers working for Veterinarians without Borders and community members,” explains Lieutenant Colonel Richmark.
While the expertise of the Indian veterinarians will be missed, cattle owners in Pibor said they are now better equipped than before to handle sick animals.
The cattle owners in Pibor said they appreciate the initiative.
Apart from having trained seven community animal health workers, the peacekeepers also donated supplies to their hosts, including multivitamins, anti-parasitic spray and medications to take care of worms, ticks and infections such as the East Coast fever.
