Agrilife24.com:In a concerted effort to protect livestock and safeguard the livelihoods of local farmers, the Bangladesh Livestock Society (BLS), the Rotary Club of Rajshahi Central, and BRAC AI Enterprise jointly organized a day-long Free Vaccination and Vocational Training Camp today at the Padma Bank Harupur Academy Field.
The event was presided over by Rotarian Prof. Dr. Md. Jalal Uddin Sarder, President of BLS and Membership Chair of the Rotary Club of Rajshahi Central. Rotarian Md. Saidur Rahman Prodip, Advisor of the Rotary Club of Rajshahi Central, attended as the Chief Guest, while Rotarian Dr. Md. Hemayatul Islam Arif, General Secretary of BLS and Club Service Projects Chair of the Rotary Club of Rajshahi Central, was present as the Special Guest. Also in attendance were Dr. Sakib Ahamed, Veterinary Surgeon at BRAC AI Enterprise; Md. Abdul Aziz, President of Harupur Academy; Mrs. Salina Begum, Assistant Secretary of BLS; Shahin, Local Service Provider of BLS; and a team of BRAC AI trainers.
Mass Vaccination Drive
During the camp, a total of 440 animals were vaccinated. This included 200 buffaloes and 160 cattle immunized against Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) and Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), along with 80 goats and sheep receiving vaccinations. The initiative aimed to curb the spread of highly contagious animal diseases that threaten the region's agricultural economy.
Practical Training for Field Workers
In addition to the vaccination drive, 37 field staff from BRAC AISP received hands-on practical training on animal immunization techniques. The training was conducted by Rotarian Prof. Dr. Md. Jalal Uddin Sarder and Rotarian Dr. Md. Hemayatul Islam Arif, who demonstrated proper vaccination methods to ensure efficiency and safety in future field operations.
Addressing a Critical Gap
Speakers at the event highlighted a pressing concern: the Padma Bank area of Rajshahi is home to more than 20,000 cattle, buffaloes, goats, and sheep, yet government support for animal vaccination remains limited. As a result, a significant percentage of livestock die every year due to preventable diseases, causing severe economic losses for farmers.
Md. Abdul Aziz, President of Harupur Academy, urged for stronger vaccination efforts, stating: "Our farmers depend on their animals for survival. Without proper vaccination, we lose not only animals but also our economic stability. This camp is a blessing, but we need more such initiatives on a regular basis."
Rotary's Commitment & The Human-Animal Health Link
Speaking on behalf of Rotary International, Rotarian Md. Saidur Rahman Prodip reiterated the organization's motto: "Service Above Self." He emphasized that Rotary is dedicated to community health, and animal health is an inseparable part of it.
Rotarian Dr. Md. Hemayatul Islam Arif elaborated on the direct link between animal vaccination and human welfare: "When animals suffer from diseases like LSD or FMD, it directly affects the protein supply for humans. Sick animals produce less milk and meat, and in some cases, diseases can transmit to humans. Vaccinating animals is not just about saving livestock—it is about ensuring food security, nutrition, and immunity for our communities."
Rotarian Prof. Dr. Md. Jalal Uddin Sarder (President, Bangladesh Livestock Society, and Membership Chair, Rotary Club of Rajshahi Central) said, "Today, at the Padma Bank Harupur Academy Field, this Free Vaccination and Vocational Training Camp has been jointly organized by the Bangladesh Livestock Society, the Rotary Club of Rajshahi Central, and BRAC AI Enterprise, which is a matter of great pride for us; in this area alone, there are more than 20,000 cattle, buffaloes, goats, and sheep, yet government support remains limited, and as a result, every year many animals die from preventable diseases like LSD and FMD, causing economic losses that affect not only the farmers but the entire community; today we vaccinated 200 buffaloes and 160 cattle against LSD and FMD, along with 80 goats and sheep, and additionally provided practical training to 37 BRAC AISP field staff so that they can independently and efficiently carry out vaccinations in the future; the motto of Rotary International is 'Service Above Self,' and we believe that protecting animal health means protecting human health, because animal diseases directly affect the human protein supply, milk and meat production, and immunity; if animals are not healthy, humans cannot be healthy either, so animal vaccination is not just about saving livestock—it is an inseparable part of food security and public health; I humbly request the government to provide more support for animal vaccination programs in this region, and I urge all farmer brothers and sisters to regularly vaccinate their animals and stay aware; I extend my sincere thanks to all members, volunteers, and trainers of the Rotary Club of Rajshahi Central, BRAC AI Enterprise, Harupur Academy, and the Bangladesh Livestock Society for making today's camp a success, and we will continue such initiatives in the future, InshaAllah."
The event concluded with a commitment to continue such joint efforts to protect livestock and support farmers in the region.
