Indian Army conducts disease management course in South Sudan

By Anish SinghnnNEW DELHI: In an effort towards positive proactive community engagement, the Indian Peacekeepers have conducted a 3-day course on ?Basic Veterinary Care and Ruminant Disease Management? to hone the locals skills in South Sudan.nnThe course was conducted in collaboration with John Garang University and Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries under the aegis of United Nation Missions (UNMISS).nn?A total of 17 community animal health workers (CAHW) attended the course,? Col Aman Anand, Indian Army PRO said.nThe 7 Garhwal of Indian Army based as Indian Peacekeepers at UNMISS Bor conducted this course to focus on refreshing the specialists and trainers of CAHW.nnThe course also covered the essential topics of clinical examination, infections and contagious diseases of ruminants, basic pharmacology as well as handling of reproductive emergencies, Col Anand added.nnSpeaking at the closing address of the course, Vice Chancellor of John Garang University, Robert Deng said, ?Events like this create direct impact on existing veterinary care in far flung areas of South Sudan. The UNMISS initiative of conduct of the training has not only made possible the participation of CAHW members from far flung areas but also provided a single umbrella under the university to hone their skills.?nnAs part of his summing up speech, Koul Alier, Director Planning from the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries said, ?During last three days the focus of the training was to empower our CAHW staff so that they become our pivots to attend the problems at the grass root level. The role of UNMISS in organising this workshop is highly praiseworthy?.nnCol Sunil Thomas, Commander of the Indian Battalion reiterated the UN commitment to play a constructive role towards peace building in the country.nn?UN attaches great importance to its relationship with the communities and the peacekeepers regularly organising a wide range of capacity building community engagement for the benefit of its population,? he added.nnIndia has participated in UN Peacekeeping programme since 1960.nnIn 2011, South Sudan gained independence from Sudan, making it the newest nation in the world.nHowever, a civil war broke out in the infant nation in 2013.nnCurrently, there are two infantry battalions of the Indian Army consisting of around 2,300 soldiers deployed in South Sudan.nnThe battalions are based in the states of Jonglei and Malakal.