In an effort to bolster livestock health, over 20,000 animals have been vaccinated, dewormed, and treated against various diseases in Nakalale (Turkana North) and Lopur (Turkana West) Wards in Turkana County.
This initiative was supported by Concern Worldwide and funded by USAID/BHA as part of the “SERVE PROJECT,” aimed at improving livestock immunity and sustainable livelihoods through curbing the spread of livestock diseases.
Speaking during a joint supervision of the exercise, Chief Officer for Livestock Development Dr. Gilchrist Lokoel appreciated Concern Worldwide for their cooperation and joint intervention for an effective response.
“The County Government is decentralizing animal diseases’ response through deploying more vet officers and animal health officers to sub-counties, hence the need to work with partners to reach livestock in far-flung areas,” said Dr. Lokoel.
He noted that the deworming of shoats against internal parasites was timely ahead of the start of short rains and was a result of surveillance that picked up the syndrome, which is often common before the rains.
Dr. Lokoel also pointed out that cases of Lumpy Skin Disease have been reported in some parts of the border areas, emphasizing the need to control and manage its spread through regular treatment and monitoring as well as enhanced cooperation with partners.
“The County is committed towards eradicating livestock diseases through enhanced surveillance and there is also a need for regular vaccination to prevent livestock diseases from spreading from neighboring countries,” he stated.
He further advocated for adopting a One Health approach along the transhumance corridor, which would facilitate tackling both human and livestock diseases, especially in border areas.
Concern Worldwide Livelihoods Program Manager Natalina Lopeyok remarked that the project has made significant efforts in supporting the control and fight against animal diseases through capacity building community disease reporters (CDRs) with refresher training and monthly stipends.
Concern Worldwide has previously conducted phased vaccination exercises with the County Government in Turkana East, South, and parts of Central Sub-Counties.
USAID/BHA Program Specialists expressed their appreciation for the partnership and collective programming exhibited by the County Department of Livestock Development, Concern Worldwide, and its partners in bringing services closer to the neediest populations.
They underscored the importance of improved access to livestock across borders through initiatives like Kimormor, enhanced e-surveillance via CDR capacity building, rangeland management, and fodder production aimed at improving breeds and livelihoods.
The joint monitoring and review sought to understand progress while providing insight into the current situation amid recurring drought episodes, which will inform programming that meets the critical needs of local communities.
The supervisory mission included Deputy Director of Veterinary Services Dr. Erenious Nakadio, along with Concern’s team led by Ian Kinyanjui (Senior Area Coordinator), Golicha Dima (County Program Manager), and Natalina Lopeyok (Program Manager), as well as USAID visiting team members.
By Peter Gitonga
