The November 2024 Animalia Mafia Island veterinary campaign, which took place from November 12th to November 20th, set a new record for efficiency with a smaller team of three veterinarians working over eight days.
Key Achievements
A total of 176 animals received care during this period:
- Sterilizations and Vaccinations: 106 animals were neutered/spayed, vaccinated, and treated for endoparasites.
- Dogs: 89 (51 females, 38 males).
- Cats: 17 (13 females, 4 males).
- Preventative Care: 70 Rabies booster vaccines were administered to animals previously neutered.
- Specialized Care: 4 dogs underwent special surgeries, and numerous others were treated for ticks, fleas, and other parasites.
Campaign Schedule and Locations
The team operated through several outreach clinics to reach different island communities:
- Vunjanazi (Nov 13): Clinic held at the home of the Mr. Baraka Manjiare family.
- Kilindoni (Nov 14-15): Operations based at Bustani Lodge.
- Kanga Village (Nov 18-19): Clinic hosted at the property of Mr. Justin Jeron.
- Utende (Nov 16, 17, 20): Based at Eco Shamba Kilole Lodge, this location served as a hub for animals brought in from decentralized villages like Kitomondo, Marimbani, and Dagoni.
The Professional Team
The November effort was led by a condensed team of experts:
- Veterinarians & Nurses: Dr. Susan Bell (Chief of the project), Dr. Lusajo Mwaikambo, and Nurse Prosper Godbless Munno.
- Support Staff: Para-Vet Gasper Malya and assistants Rocky Matteru, Justine Jeron, and Hatibu Makungu.
- Project Management: Directed by Dr. Francesca Bensa.
Future Vision: Permanent Veterinary Center
A major focus of this campaign was the continued effort to establish a permanent Animalia Mafia Island veterinary center. This facility aims to provide affordable, year-round veterinary services to the island’s communities, moving beyond periodic outreach programs to ensure long-term animal welfare and the continued prevention of Rabies.
