Kabura/Napusmoru, May 12, 2025 (Public Communications and Media Relations)

County Directorate of Veterinary Services through Integrated Emergency Drought Response Project (IEDRP) implemented by Turkana Pastoralist Development Organization (TUPADO) in partnership with International Rescue Committee (IRC) has vaccinated and treated over 25,000 shoats, in Kalapata and Lokichar Wards in Turkana South Sub-county.

The Team Lead, Dr Erenius Nakadio has said the 10-day vaccination campaign targets 35,000 shoats. Additionally, he says the move aims at controlling the spread of livestock diseases, especially PPR, and prevent further outbreaks to the nearby wards.

“Alongside controlling the spread of livestock diseases, the initiative will provide supportive treatments to sick animals and minimize economic losses for pastoralist communities as well as boost immunity in targeted sheep and goats to reduce mortality rates, remarked Dr Nakadio.

The Veterinary Doctor was speaking at Kabura during the vaccination drive while noting that the county government has provided veterinary supplies, equipment, technical staff, maintain the cold chain and carry out supervision during the activity.

Echom Simon, TUPADO’s Project Coordinator revealed that the Integrated Project is primarily to protect the livelihood assets of drought affected households through integration of human and livestock-related interventions.

“Together with Directorate of Veterinary Services, through a Participatory Disease Surveillance (PDS) conducted in January 2025, Kalapata and Lokichar wards topped the list of areas where upsurge of livestock diseases such as Mange, Stomatitis, and Pneumonia (CCPP) were reported. This, therefore led to the prioritization in vaccination and supportive treatment, supported by TUPADO and IRC,” said Echom.

According to the team, Chokchok, Katiir, Nakiria, Nalamaru in Kalapata while Natorbei, Kabura, Kangingolemongin, Kakoit and Napusmoru in Lokichar were reached.

Lowos Emeri, 40, one of the 14 Community Disease Reporters (CDRs) in Kabura, who has actively been involved in the exercise says, “the healthier the animals, the healthier we are! We urge the government to continuously carry out this exercise during the entire rainy season to reduce the risk of disease transmission in the region.”

Veterinary Officers taking part in the vaccination campaign include, Dr Richard Muliuki, Dr Njuguna Maina, Dr Kennedy Lojau, Dr Adung’o Lokutan and Dr Getrude Ekidor.