31 July 2012 - Recognizing an urgent need for medical services in Jonglei State, UNMISS Indian veterinary and medical detachments held a clinic for residents and animals in Bor's Kolnyang Payam (district).

During the one-day event, hundreds of men, women and children as well as 2,161 animals, including cattle, sheep, goats and poultry, received free medical consultation and medicine.

The most common ailments among local people were upper respiratory tract as well as skin and parasitic infections, anaemia, diarrhoea, malnutrition and malaria, according to Major Ashish Chadha.

Veterinarian Major Ashish Tiwari said the animals they had treated were suffering from east coast fever, gastro-intestinal disorders and respiratory tract as well as indo-parasite infections.

"We are assisting locals ... as livestock are the lifeline and sources of income for the general public in Jonglei," Major Tiwari said.

Abraham Alier Jokoi, a Senior Animal health Officer at the State Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries in Bor said the number of cattle deaths in his county had declined recently, thanks to free medical assistance and routine medical check-ups by UNMISS and the UN Food Organization (FAO).

"Some of the medicines provided generously today are very important," Mr. Jokoi said. "We cannot find them in the area easily because of an acute shortage and lack of funds."

Kok Deng, a beneficiary, thanked UNMISS for the treatment. "I request them to continue with similar assistance in the near future," he said, adding that South Sudan lacked medical facilities for livestock.