Our livestock and garden project in Congo is moving forward beautifully! Our first 20 families have pigs, goats, ducks, chickens, and guinea pigs, as well as gardens and they are doing well. During a recent visit to the families and project, we noticed, though, that we need to install a solar fridge in order to keep animal vaccines close at hand. We'll distribute them to the families through the use of our motorcycle, making sure that the animals are dewormed and healthy.
There is a severe lack of vaccines for animals in Gemena, DRCongo, as well as a lack of trained veterinarians or vet techs. Due to this lack of services and vaccines, animals owned by families who are trying to get out of poverty are in danger of losing animals to common illnesses or parasites. While vaccines can be purchased in Congo, they are often not stored properly, due to lack of refrigeration. This makes the vaccines dangerous to the animals and in many cases, kills them.
AFCA will send a volunteer veterinarian to train local staff in basic veterinary skills - detecting illnesses in the small livestock, giving the appropriate vaccines, de-worming, etc. Along with the training, we will set up a solar fridge where vaccines can be safely stored. This fridge is solar powered, ensuring that in a constant temperature is maintained and that the vaccines are safe for use. The cost of the fridge, shipping, taxes, and clearing through customs is included in this request.
Long term impact of this project is that beneficiary families will have properly vaccinated livestock, creating healthier herds. When the herds and flocks are healthy and the offspring are healthy, the beneficiary families will have more animals to sell, barter, eat, and help them out of the cycle of poverty. Maintaining a good solar fridge can help our beneficiaries and also, other members of the community who need veterinary care for their livestock.
