Launch of Livestock Vaccination Campaign in White Nile State – Al-Sab’at Locality, Al-Salam District

Report by: Tasabih Al-Sadiq

In coordination with the Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC) in White Nile State, and in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Voluntary Humanitarian Assistance Program (ASSIST), and the Higher Council for Livestock, Fisheries, and Rangelands, and with support from the European Union for livelihood projects and the resilience of pastoral and agro-pastoral communities in White Nile State

A vaccination campaign targeting 400,000 head of livestock from 81,000 small pastoral families across all localities in White Nile State was launched

The campaign launch was honored by the presence of Dr. Al-Tayeb Ali Issa, Minister of Education and Guidance, representing the Governor of White Nile State, and the Commissioner of Humanitarian Aid in White Nile State

Dr. Lamia Abdullah Al-Asha, the Secretary-General for Livestock, Fisheries, and Rangelands, Dr. Abdul-Sami Musa Ibrahim, the FAO Director, Dr. Abdul-Rahman, the Director of the Voluntary Humanitarian Aid Program, Asast Imran Adam Imran, the Executive Director of Al-Salam Locality, and a number of leaders and representatives of local administrations in Al-Salam Locality

The Governor’s representative emphasized that vaccination prevents many problems. He noted the large number of livestock and that Al-Salam Locality is a major export gateway. He added that improved livestock health has led to increased export efforts, which are highly beneficial to the Sudanese economy in general and White Nile State in particular. Therefore, he concluded, investing in livestock is tantamount to investing in human well-being.

The Commissioner of Humanitarian Aid affirmed the excellent coordination between partners in the livestock sector and the FAO and Asast organizations. She emphasized that livestock is a key source of food security for citizens in the state, especially in Al-Salam Locality. She also commended the launch of the campaign and the significant efforts undertaken to improve people’s livelihoods.

The Director of the Asast Organization stated that the organization’s partnership With the FAO, the first round of vaccinations, funded by the European Union, was implemented. This round consisted of four doses covering cattle, sheep, and goats. The second phase, currently underway, focuses on providing medication for sick livestock and will continue until next February. The FAO also commended the role of livestock breeders and urged them to take advantage of the vaccination program.

The FAO Director spoke about the vaccination campaigns being organized in all Sudanese states, including White Nile State. These campaigns target anthrax and sheep pox vaccines, in coordination with the Higher Council for Animal Resources. He also thanked the organization that established the FAO’s national partner.

The Secretary-General of the Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries, and Rangelands indicated that the livestock sector targets various herds. Its primary objective, as part of a strategic plan, is to integrate livestock into the economic cycle, with an emphasis on accompanying awareness campaigns