Ethiopia, 9 October 2025 — The Somali Regional State has launched a major vaccination programme in six regions as efforts to improve animal health in pastoral communities gain momentum.
The campaign is being coordinated by the State’s Office of Livestock Development, which deployed 11 veterinary teams on Wednesday to five regions and five major livestock watering points.
The initiative aims to treat 404,000 animals and vaccinate 1.3 million livestock across the region. Teams are already operating at Bulaale, Sulul, Ceelxaar, Garloogubay, and Shiniile watering points, as well as in the Jarar, Liibaan, Qoraxey, Afdheer, and Nogob regions. Five teams focus on watering points, while six teams cover various districts in targeted regions.
Abdiqadir Iman, the State’s Minister of Livestock Development, highlighted the importance of community reporting in ensuring the campaign succeeds.
"We should all work together to safeguard livestock health. Residents should immediately notify local authorities if they notice disease spreading among animals so swift action can be taken," he said.
However, the Minister did not specify the exact duration of the campaign.
The initiative prioritizes disease prevention, particularly around watering points, to protect livestock, prevent outbreaks, and support productivity across the region. Authorities noted that these measures will help safeguard the livelihoods and incomes of pastoral communities, especially as the rainy season approaches, a period when animals are more vulnerable to certain diseases.
