An Inclusive Animal Health Camp

As part of my mandate as an intern for CECI Nepal, I was lucky enough to make a field to visit to collect information on the ongoing projects. This following story relates what I learned and experienced in the district of Kavre.

To make sure the animals are always healthy and that their effectiveness is not compromised by any sickness, CECI and the Punarnirman project in collaboration with the Department of Livestock services from the Ministry of Agriculture are sponsoring an Animal health camp that brings vets and technicians to remote villages to offer services and medicine for buffalos, cows and goats for free.

Upon our arrival in Chyamrangbesi, in the district of Kavre, and after a delicious dal bhat meal, we were directed to the Animal Health Camp. The animal health camp was divided in multiple sections. After registering themselves and their animals, farmers could use the services at their disposition. They can consult a vet and vet technicians for their animals’ health issues. Farmers could bring their animal’s feces to have them checked out by a team of qualified vets for parasites. In fact, more than 90% of the feces that were brought were tested positive for parasites. Accordingly, farmers could go back home with the appropriate medicine that would help their livestock, preventively or not. Farmers were also encouraged to bring their smaller animals (goats) to have them dipped in a tank full of water mixed with medicinal solution for prevention.

The health camp is usually situated in a central location to accommodate farmers living further that have to walk nearly one hour in order to take part in the health camp. This time, it was located centrally, near the ward office of the community. What made the day a success is the fact that the camp is so inclusive and everyone felt welcome to join and take part in it. Men, women, disabled people and people from all castes have been confident enough, and felt included enough to come and participate. Women participating in the health camp are usually widowed women, as they are now considered head of the household. It does not stop other women that are not widowed to come with or without their husband and use the services at their disposition.

Chyamrangbesi is a close-knitted community where everyone knows each other and willing help one another. When one family is helped, it indirectly helps other families because they are working together to make the most of their work. The health camp was a success and will continue to promote values like inclusiveness and mutual aid.