UNIFIL’s Indian peacekeepers launched a monthlong campaign last week aimed at vaccinating 25,000 cattle against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) within their area of responsibility in southeastern Lebanon.

On the day of the launch, on 24 July, the Indian veterinary team vaccinated over 3,300 animals in the village of Shab’a. The peacekeepers also distributed essential veterinary medicines and informational booklets to shepherds to help them address common ailments and boost overall livestock health.

The campaign is particularly timely, coming ahead of the October–April FMD outbreak season, and aims to provide preemptive protection to cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, goats, and sheep.

It follows a similar initiative conducted earlier this year, in February and March, and aims to support the livelihood and economic well-being of local shepherds. 

Indian veterinary officer Lt. Col. Sudhir Karnal Sharma said the campaign is not just about vaccines—it’s about sustaining livelihoods. “FMD remains one of the most damaging animal diseases for rural economies,” he said. “We are offering shepherds peace of mind and financial stability.”

The ongoing campaign will cover all 15 villages, spanning about 100 square kilometres, within the Indian contingent’s area of responsibility. They plan to expand to neighbouring areas afterwards.

Separately, on 17 July, Indian peacekeepers hosted 105 school children in their main base in Ibl el-Saqi. The event, titled “A Day at UNP (United Nations Position),” aimed to inspire young minds and bring smiles to their faces. The children enjoyed performances by the Indian pipe and jazz bands, demonstration by military dogs, traditional Indian songs and dances. Working in collaboration with an NGO, the peacekeepers also conducted a session on unexploded ordnance (UXO) awareness—an important initiative, as many areas in southern Lebanon remain contaminated with UXOs and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) following the recent conflict.

UNIFIL peacekeepers regularly undertake community support initiatives alongside their core operational tasks, including round-the-clock monitoring and reporting along the Blue Line.