Animal health workers get training
CHITRAL, March 19: A 15-day training for capacity building of 25 community animal health workers (14 female, 11 male) under bio-engagement program “Livestock for Life” organized by Relief International Chitral concluded at Relief International Chitral office.
Dr. Nazir Ahmad delivered lecture on Rabies and Tetanus. Dr. Israrullah spoke about the epidemiological, preventive and curative sides of Anthrax and Congo fever. Dr. Noorul Islam discussed medical and community aspects of Tuberculosis and Brucellosis and informed the participants about the risk reduction of Tuberculosis by avoiding the use of un boiled milk.
Dr. Saad Muluk addressed about the sign, symptoms and precautionary measures of Malaria and Dengue fever. These experts will work with Relief International for community awareness on zoonosis, community capacity building and surveillance of zoonotic diseases at the village level. They are consultants with Relief International Chitral.
The participants were belonging to five union councils; Ayun, Danin, Chitral-1, Chitral-2 and Broz.
Addressing on this occasion, Dr. Riaz, the District Project Manager RI, highlighted the objectives of “Livestock for Life” project activities and focused creating awareness on zoonosis among the masses in Pakistan. There are 296 zoonotic diseases which are transmissible from vertebrate animals to human and vice versa either directly or through vectors, he added.
He said: “Direct contact with infected animals through breathing, eating raw meat and milk and biting of certain infected animals like dogs, cats, bats, squirrels and mosquito, flies causes transmission of zoonotic disease”.
He emphasized for adopting preventive measures by using masks, gloves, shoes, bed nets, and mosquito spray, hand wash before and after contacting infected animals.
Chief guest, District Director Livestock and Dairy Development Dr. Shekh Ahmad distributed certificate among the trainees. He stressed the workers to utilize their skill for community development, awareness on zoonotic disease and effective surveillance for elimination of zoonotic diseases from Chitral.-Gul Hamaad Farooqi