DAWA, SRS – On May 20th, the Somali Regional State officially launched a large-scale livestock vaccination campaign in the Dawa region, targeting over 500,000 heads of goats. The initiative aims to prevent serious diseases that commonly affect livestock during the rainy season and periods of climate change.

The campaign is specifically focused on preventing respiratory infections and other diseases that frequently impact goats during the dry and rainy seasons—illnesses that often result in significant economic losses and high mortality rates among livestock.

The vaccination drive has been initiated in four districts within the Dawa region, with Moyale district becoming the first to implement the campaign on the ground. Local residents have been strongly encouraged to take advantage of this vital opportunity to safeguard their animals and protect their livelihoods.

Dhuubow Macalin, Coordinator of the Regional Office for Pastoral Development in Dawa, stated that the campaign is part of a broader strategy to improve animal health and boost productivity in the pastoral sector.

“Vaccinations have begun across the four districts of the region, with a total of 500,000 animals set to be vaccinated,” said Dhuubow Macalin.

The campaign will run for ten days and is being jointly implemented by the Somali Regional Office for Pastoral Development in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which has provided technical and logistical support. This initiative is a key component of the regional government’s ongoing efforts to enhance livestock production, ensure the health of herds, and strengthen the economic resilience of pastoralist communities facing growing climate-related challenges