By Godfrey Olukya 11-2-2013
About 800,000 heads of cattle, camels, sheep and goats have been treated for parasites and other diseases in Somalia’s districts of Sool, Nugaal, Togdheer and Sanaag.
The treatment has been carried out by Somali livestock and animal husbandry authorities, with support from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
Over 50,000 people who economically depend on those animals have reportedly benefited from the campaign.
According to ICRC officials, although many people in those parts of Somalia depend on livestock, their animals have always been sickly due to lack of veterinary services. The situation has always been complicated by the poor security in the region where Al Shabab militants have been harassing civilians for over two decades.
The head of ICRC in Somalia, Patrick Vial said that livestock are exceptionally important for communities in these areas because they depend heavily on them for their income and food security.
He said, ‘The exercise is very important to the herders. The herders have been severely affected by limited access to traditional nomadic routes, grazing areas, water points and veterinary services.’
He said they are to continue providing veterinary services to the herders.
One of the herders, whose cattle were treated, Ali Kerim said. ‘I appreciate the veterinary authorities and ICRC for treating my animals. I am sure I will benefit more from the treated animals.’
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