Lodwar, 21 November 2024 (Public Communication and Media Relations)

Turkana County Government, through the Directorate of Veterinary Services, has trained 40 Community Animal Disease Reporters (CADRs) from ten wards in Lokiriama, Loima, Turkana North, East, and Central Sub-Counties.

The initiative, supported by Concern Worldwide (CWW) under the Sustained Emergency Response and Recovery (SERVE) project with funding from USAID/BHA, aims to strengthen the county’s capacity for disease surveillance and control. The training equips CADRs with the necessary skills to enhance animal health service delivery.

“The training is anticipated to elevate the standards of animal health and will contribute to the development of livestock as a livelihood in the County,” said County Chief Officer for Livestock Development Dr. Gilchrist Lokoel.

Dr. Lokoel expressed gratitude to CWW for their support, which he said will empower the CADRs to supplement the County’s efforts in eradicating and controlling animal diseases, especially along border areas.

“The County Government is also taking crucial steps towards empowering the CADRs through the enactment of the Turkana County Animal Health Act 2023 to disburse funds to support CADRs across the County,” he added.

Natalina Lopeyok, Concern Worldwide’s Livelihoods Project Manager, appreciated the County Government’s collaboration. She stated that the training is part of an initiative to support the Turkana County Veterinary Directorate team in building the capacity of CADRs to enhance their knowledge and skills for sustained disease surveillance and control activities.

Lopeyok further revealed that Concern Worldwide’s interventions align with the County Government’s plans, emphasizing the need for continued collaboration to realize the food security agenda.