Indian peacekeepers have provided much-needed veterinary support to farmers in Renk, including treating animals for diseases and educating their owners about how to breed and raise healthy cattle.

In South Sudan, cattle are a symbol of status and wealth. Most pastoral communities breed livestock for subsistence, living off their milk and meat, as well as to meet social obligations such as creating strategic alliances with their stock or paying dowries.

However, veterinary services in South Sudan have been severely damaged by the civil war that erupted in 2013 and the violence that continues across the country, particularly in areas like Renk in the Upper Nile region.

The veterinary team from the Indian battalion serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, comprising a warrant officer and two nursing assistants, led by Lieutenant Colonel Prashant Tripathi, carried out a special camp along with two local veterinary doctors, Dr John Kejok and Dr Ajun Deng Ding.

The team dewormed and treated 175 cows, 90 calves, 25 sheep and goats and seven donkeys and distributed mineral mix and calcium supplements to the farmers during the veterinary camp. They also focused on educating the owners of the livestock about preventing diseases and healthy breeding and rearing practices.

Protective and administrative support for the veterinary camp, including transport and security, was provided by the Indian peacekeeping battalion based in Renk. The peacekeepers hope to be able to continue to provide veterinary relief to farmers in the region in future.