28 May 2012 – The veterinary unit of the UNMISS Indian Battalion in Malakal has treated over 15,000 animals free of charge since last year, according to the unit's head Lt. Col. Ravinder Yadav.

The INDBATT officer said that his unit has also organized a number of training courses for employees of the Upper Nile State Government's Ministry of Animal Resources and Fisheries. University students and community animal health workers have also benefitted from such training.

"We have conducted training on public health for community animal health workers from various counties and students of the Upper Nile University on immunology, epidemiology and preventive medicine," said Lt. Col. Yadav.

Livestock is a vital source of sustenance and wealth for the people of South Sudan, and most of the animals that have been brought into the battalion's veterinary hospital have been cows, donkeys, sheep and goats.

Lt. Col. Yadav said there are plans to open a new facility on the premises of the INDBATT veterinary hospital for the treatment of small animals like cats, chickens and monkeys.

The veterinary unit has been providing medical treatment and training courses since 2005, according to Dr. James Ajak Obong of the state Ministry of Animal Resources and Fisheries.

"We appreciate the support provided by the Indian veterinary unit (who have) provided drugs for animals as well as training our local staff on how to carry out the vaccination and surgery in the field where medical doctors are not available," said Dr. Obong.

He said that the people of Upper Nile State are fortunate to have such services provided to them for free and urged all residents to take advantage of these facilities to improve the health of their livestock.