2:28pm Monday 15th March 2010
In war-torn Helmand Province a British Vet is winning over Afghan farmers.
With the war in Afghanistan still dominating the world headlines it is easy to overlook the excellent work undertaken by British soldiers to help restore the countryside and the local communities around them. In war-torn Helmand Province a British vet is working with Afghan farmers to improve the health of their livestock and quality of life.
Following a phone call from Major Paul Smith in Afghanistan, the Country Channel was given special access to footage of Army vet Captain Miles Malone, a vet posted to Helmand Province to provide veterinary services for the working dogs operating in the area. Captain Malone and other colleagues are currently developing veterinary clinics and a vaccination programme to help local farmers, smallholders and shepherds improve the health of their livestock.
The pioneering new vet clinic, which operates in desert communities and villages, offers local farmers and shepherds the opportunity to vaccinate their animals, which has positive outcomes not just for the livestock, but also for the community as a whole. It’s a practical and sure fire way of winning the hearts and minds battle with Afghans.
Nicknamed the James Herriot of Helmand, Captain Malone is clearly passionate about the project and is enthused by its success: “In two and a half months this is my 3rd trip out to treat the local livestock, he told the Country Channel. “A lot of these animals have never been treated for parasites before aso what we are doing directly improves the quality of the milk, and meat that animals are providing. Improving the village farmers’ diet and standard of living has a bearing on their own health and that of their community.”
Watch the short documentary film, ‘The Right Approach’, online via The Country Channel at www.countrychannel.tv. The film will also be broadcast on Sky Channel 171 later in the spring (visit The Country Channel for further details). A longer feature film is in the pipeline.
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