One by one, the cattle get through. Some look visibly underfed, weak; others can’t be vaccinated as they are already sick. A trained veterinarian examines these animals, and if possible, treats them with the drugs available on site.
“Without the cold chain, we can’t do our jobs”
“I’ve been working with FAO for seven years. First, I learnt how to vaccinate the animals. Then, I got more training so that I can recognize and treat diseases… It is hard work,” says Lual.
On vaccination days, Lual and his colleagues start at 6 am to catch the cattle owners before taking their animals to graze and the heat sets in. The country battles with high temperatures all year around; the average is 30°C, but it can climb to 45°C during the hottest months.
“Most of the time we move by car but sometimes we have to walk. We carry the cold box with us. Today, we brought the vaccines by plane from Juba. From Aweil, we brought them here by car and stored them in the only fridge in this area. Without the cold chain, we can’t do our jobs,” explains Lual.
FAO has trained over 1,000 community-based animal health workers to carry out routine check-ups and vaccinations. The cold chain stores over seven different vaccines for the most common diseases.
This has significantly improved the delivery of animal health care as well as preventive and emergency vaccinations.
FAO is also working to restore the livestock diagnostic laboratory to full capacity with support from the Government of Japan. This will improve laboratory diagnosis of diseases and make the response timelier and more efficient.
What’s next?
FAO urgently requires $13.1 million to carry out its full vaccination campaign and respond to the recent outbreak of Rift Valley Fever. To date, FAO has only enough funds for a third of its vaccination campaign, and has received no funding as yet for its Rift Valley Fever response.
Rift Valley Fever, which can be transmitted from animals to humans, poses a significant public health threat. Resources are needed to contain the spread and strengthen early warning and surveillance systems.
As part of its vaccination campaign, funding permitting, FAO would not only cover vaccination and treatment costs but train also more community-based animal health workers; help maintain existing cold chain hubs, and set-up new ones in remote areas.
This would help address major setbacks when delivering animal health care services and medicines: distance, limited cold chain facilities, dirt roads that become inaccessible during the rainy period, and lack of animal health services.
FAO's work in South Sudan is possible thanks to support from: Canada, Denmark, European Union, Japan, Kuwait, the Netherlands, Norway, South Sudan Humanitarian Fund, Switzerland, UK, USA, World Bank.
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