A Memorable Visit to Tanzania

Meru Animal Welfare Organization (MAWO) is a non-profit organisation with a mission to improve animal welfare through community awareness and veterinary care. Ann and Rose, two Animal Aid Abroad supporters from Perth, recently undertook a special trip to Tanzania to visit this partner group. They participated in MAWO’s programs, including a mobile donkey clinic in Samaria, where they saw donkeys who have previously been treated and have now recovered. They also observed treatments for wounds and eye infections, deworming and harness training for owners.

Ann and Rose visited Samaria and Olmotonyi Primary Schools and donated books about animals to the students. Additionally, Ann and Rose gave various drugs and medical supplies donated by Animal Aid Abroad and some very kind supporters to the mobile outreach clinic, which will assist donkeys and the community at large. MAWO and the community were deeply appreciative of Ann and Rose’s visit and donations for the school and mobile outreach clinic.

MAWO’s mobile outreach clinic provides treatment for donkeys, dogs and cats who have diseases or injuries. During October, MAWO treated a total of sixty-nine donkeys. Sixty-eight donkeys were dewormed using 1% Ivermectin to control both internal and external parasites. Seven donkeys were treated for wounds, including five wounds caused by poor harnessing and two wounds caused by traditional marking. All wounds were cleaned with iodine and topical antibiotic wound spray, plus oral antibiotics and pain relief were given.

Sadly, the wounds seen in Samaria were deep and severe. Poor harnessing and the use of heavy oxen carts continue to cause problems for donkeys. MAWO plans not only to carry out more mobile outreach clinics but also to commence animal welfare education, which will hopefully begin to address these underlying issues.

MAWO have expressed their gratitude to Animal Aid Abroad for assisting them to raise awareness about animal welfare and save the lives of as many animals as possible. We are proud to support MAWO’s wonderful efforts to assist working animals in Tanzania.