Indians hold vet training course in Malakal

12 Aug 2009

Indians hold vet training course in Malakal

Acknowledging the central role that livestock plays in food and social security, the veterinary hospital of UNMIS' Indian Battalion recently conducted a three-week long refresher training course for community animal health workers.

Acknowledging the central role that livestock plays in food and social security, the veterinary hospital of UNMIS' Indian Battalion recently conducted a three-week long refresher training course for community animal health workers.

The training course, organized in cooperation with Upper Nile State's Department of Animal Resource from 6 and 25 July, was attended by 19 community-based animal health workers, including 12 women.

The course covered various aspects of livestock husbandry, including veterinary first aid training, elementary knowledge of various livestock diseases and their treatment, importance of de-worming, tick borne diseases and reporting of disease outbreaks.

"I am quite impressed by the course curriculum and practical approach to train community-based animal health workers," Dr. Deng Akol Ayuach, Acting Principal of Upper Nile University said.

During the closing ceremony, Col Sandeep Jain, Sector Commander of UNMIS Malakal area, presented certificates to all participants and appreciated women's participation in the livestock husbandry course.

"This training has been very useful in increasing our knowledge and understanding the basic nuances of first aid vet training, about various diseases of animals and their treatment," said female participant Marie Idwat. "We are more confident after the training."

"Healthy animals will supplement our income and thus help in ushering in peace. Moreover, certificates issued will definitely help us in future employment prospects,"
participant Stephen Gatluak said.

The exercise was a step in capacity building of trained and skilled manpower, strengthening the existing veterinary infrastructure and improving the reach of veterinary services to rural areas at the grass roots level.