A Bangladeshi vet, serving with UNMISS, in action in Wau.
Bangladeshi peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan have brought joy to cattle keepers in Wau by offering much-needed free veterinary services for their livestock.
“I used to have more than 300 cows, but due to an acute shortage of medications I have lost about 70 of them, plus four goats, in recent years, says John Tik, whose family lives on rearing livestock.
Colonel Palash Bhattacharjee, Commander of the Bangladeshi contingent based in Wau, explains that helping host communities in difficult times is an important part of their mandate.
“We are here to serve the people of South Sudan. Protecting civilians also means to look out for their welfare and livelihoods, and our veterinaries can make a difference for the many people who depend on having healthy cattle,” he says.
Preventing disease by means of vaccinations is as important as treating current ailments among the livestock.
“I thank these peacekeepers for giving my cows medical care today, and for the vaccinations they have given our animals on a previous occasion. It is a great initiative to protect our cattle from fevers, cough, skin diseases and other health problems,” says Regina Ayot, another beneficiary.
Dr. Paulo Angelo Rizik , a veterinary officer at the state Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Health, praised the efforts of the peacekeeping veterinaries.
“They are doing a tremendous job, and long may that continue. If possible, I hope they can extend their services to other areas of our state as well.”
In South Sudan, the importance of cattle cannot be overestimated. Cows are not only a vital food source, but also serve as dowry for marriages and as a sign of the social status of their owner.