Page 11 - Reliance Foundation - The Change Maker - Issue 45

The ChangeMaker 11

World Veterinary Day: Reliance Foundation

recognises and appreciates the animal

health experts

n this World Veterinary Day, empowering them to make informed mobilise swiftly, participate in emergency
Oobserved annually on the last decisions. More than 2,700 camps have camps to provide immediate medical
Saturday of April, Reliance Foundation been organised by Reliance Foundation attention and support to affected
salutes the heroes who have dedicated since 2013 and over 7.6 lakh animals communities. Animal health experts
their lives to caring for animals, treated across 15 states. have attended to more than 68,000
particularly in the farthest corners of Recounting the last outbreak of lumpy animals during Reliance Foundation’s
the country. skin disease in his village, Mahipal disaster response efforts, mitigating
Singh, a farmer from Udaipur district impact on animals and their owners.
Animal health camps at the last mile in Rajasthan, said, “Our cattle were Furthermore, the commitment to
In rural communities where livestock very distressed and the veterinarians animal welfare extends to supporting
is not just a means of sustenance provided crucial medical support during organisations operating animal
but a way of life, crucial veterinary this phase. In between camps, Reliance ambulances. These organisations play
services can be difficult to access. Foundation kept conveying information a crucial role in providing on-the-spot
Through collaborative efforts with from animal health experts and helped care to injured animals, offering medical
the government and civil society our animals heal.” assistance, shelter and nourishment.
organizations, dedicated professionals As we commemorate World Veterinary
that the Foundation works with take Emergency animal care during and Day, Reliance Foundation recognises
essential healthcare services directly after disasters and appreciates the dedication of
to the doorsteps of those in need. They These efforts become even more animal health experts, whose selfless
participate in livestock camps that not significant in times of crisis. Natural efforts are a reminder of the bond
only serve as medical checkpoints disasters like floods and cyclones often humans have with animals, and the
but also as platforms for educating leave animals vulnerable and in urgent responsibility we share in ensuring their
rural households on animal health, need of care. In response, veterinarians well-being.