Cattle are like gold in South Sudan.

They are a valuable source of food, for bartering, as a dowry for marriage as well as demonstrating the wealth and power of those who own them. Five years of civil war have devastated the farming sector with cattle herders losing many of their stock to malnutrition and disease.

But a team of Indian veterinarians, serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), have stepped up to help out, running a mobile clinic across the Upper Nile region to treat sick cattle and educate their owners about disease prevention. The ‘treat and educate’ campaign is, not only, beneficial to the cattle keepers but is helping build relationships more broadly across the community.

“By getting into this field, we are able to open some bridges,” said the Commander of the Indian peacekeeping contingent, Lt. Col. Gaurav Batra. “We have the veterinary doctors that are in close interaction with the local population so, not only, can we solve their veterinary problems, but we are able to build bridges, communicate more with them, understand their problems and resolve other issues.”

Cattle herders are grateful for the support as many of their animals are anemic, making them prone to diseases such as foot and mouth. Other problems include infected abscesses and fractured legs.

“I thank UNMISS for the treatment given to my cows today and for the previous vaccinations they have given our animals. This is a good thing and I hope it continues to protect our cattle from diseases,” said one cattle herder.

It’s also a rewarding experience for the peacekeepers who are passionate about caring for animals as well as supporting local communities above and beyond what is required by the Mission’s mandate to protect civilians and build durable peace.

“Wherever I went I was being welcomed by people,” said Indian peacekeeping veterinarian, Prashant Tripathi. “They were very happy because there was no one to look after the livestock and, whatever little we can contribute as a veterinarian and part of UNMISS, it is beneficial for them and for the animals. So I’m happy and satisfied with my job and I hope the livestock owners in the Upper Nile are happy with my work.”

The treat and educate clinic is funded by the Indian peacekeepers themselves and is complemented by other initiatives to create strong relationships with locals, including organizing sports events and providing engineering support such as building water tanks. 

“For us it is very easy to relate to the problems of the African nations,” said Lt. Col. Batra. “You know, India is the largest democracy in the world, so we understand the problems and the processes, whether it is political, development, economic or governance. Because of our interaction - particularly because of the huge diaspora with a huge Indian population spread all over the African continent - that is probably one of the reasons we have historical ties, emotional ties with the people of South Sudan.”

These ties bind together peacekeepers serving far from home with vulnerable people in desperate need of help in a united effort to build peace, prosperity and a brighter future for South Sudan.