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Zipline Ghana Limited has delivered 100,000 anthrax vaccines to the Upper East Regional Public Health Emergency Management Committee (PHEMC) for the vaccination of cattle and ruminants in the region.
The vaccines aim to support the ongoing vaccination campaign and control the spread of the anthrax virus, which has been detected in several districts and resulted in a ban on the slaughter and movement of livestock.
Mr Stephen Yakubu, the Regional Minister and Chair of the PHEMC, confirmed the vaccine delivery and highlighted that an initial 40,000 vaccines had already been received to bolster the vaccination efforts.
Manufactured in Pong-Tamale, Northern Region, with government and development partner support, the remaining 100,000 vaccines will be distributed throughout the entire Upper East Region with the assistance of Zipline.
The Regional Minister expressed hope that the 100,000 vaccines would help achieve the target of vaccinating 70 percent of the livestock population, thereby allowing for the lifting of the ban.
The progress of the vaccination campaign will be evaluated, and the technical team will provide advice accordingly.
Mr Yakubu emphasized the importance of lifting the ban before the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha celebration but acknowledged that there are no guarantees.
Two animal deaths were reported in the Bolgatanga Municipality before the vaccine delivery, and investigations are underway.
The vaccination exercise is being conducted free of charge, and livestock owners are urged to make their animals available for vaccination.
Dr Henry Nii Ayi Anang, the Regional Veterinary Officer, stated that the vaccines would be promptly dispatched to continue the vaccination campaign in the field. Zipline’s drones are facilitating the delivery of vaccines to various districts, ensuring a smooth process.
While the exact number of vaccinated animals was not provided, Dr Anang mentioned that approximately 5,000 animals are being vaccinated daily. The final count will be determined once the entire vaccination exercise is completed, as data is collected at the conclusion of each vaccination session.
Mr Abdul-Jalil Abdulai, the Community Integrations Lead for Zipline in the Walewale Central area of the North East Region, highlighted that the delivery service is a collaboration between the Veterinary Services Department and Cowtribe, a Non-Governmental Organization.
Zipline’s state-of-the-art warehouse with cold chain equipment enables them to receive vaccine stock, process orders, and deliver vaccines to designated distribution points efficiently.