In my personal assessment the day was a big success despite its humble nature. We have successfully tested a model that can now be scaled up across the nation.
What is the model? This initiative harnessed resources from the central government (the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries), the local government (Kampala City Council), veterinarians (members of Uganda Veterinary Association and Uganda Small Animal Practitioners Association working either as private or public veterinarians), the Uganda Society for Protection and Care of Animals(USPCA), Makerere University (4th and 5th year veterinary students of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine) and the local community. Each of the collaborators provided what was within their means in the circumstances. With good prior planning and mobilisation, this model could have a huge impact countrywide in just one day. I do pledge my efforts towards achieving this (even for many other community outreach initiatives).
The numbers of animals vaccinated is being compiled and once I have it, I will update this portion of the post.
Many things went well. I was excited to note the close relationship people had with their animals. The majority of the animals were in good body condition. The only thin animal I saw was a bitch alleged (by the 23-year-old man who brought it) to be 18 years old. When I enquired how he estimated the dog's age, he said he is told it is as old as one of his little brothers. Although it was thin, it did not appear as weak as I expected a thin 18-year-old dog to be. The question of euthanasia could not therefore arise especially because of the dog's strength and the bond between the dog and the owner. The dog was dewormed and my colleagues advised the owner on how to feed the geriatric.
I should get back and complete this story sometime soon. Watch this space.
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