Sixteen deaths have reportedly been recorded to date due to Rift Valley Fever (RVF). The National Youth Movement of the Republic of Values (MONJER) is alerting the national public. "This situation is alarming and does not seem to be generating the necessary mobilization up to the highest authorities, even though the epidemic threatens the health of the population and animal health throughout the valley area," denounce the comrades of MP Thierno Alassane Sall.

Opacity on livestock losses and blind control

According to MONJER, "while press releases from the Ministry of Health provide information on human cases, the damage suffered by livestock remains largely unknown to the general public. The ministry responsible for livestock has not, at this stage, provided the expected transparency on the extent of the losses, while livestock are perishing, with mass abortions reported and significant mortality in many enclosures." It reports that departmental and regional livestock services, understaffed and insufficiently equipped, are struggling to respond effectively on the ground.

Furthermore, TAS supporters regret that livestock vaccination - which should be planned before the winter - is being improvised in the middle of an epidemic outbreak, a practice that is not recommended and reveals day-to-day management.

Urgent break in the transmission chain

"Poor management of animal carcasses perpetuates the cycle of transmission. In several localities, populations manage and dispose of carcasses themselves, a symptom of poor management at the heart of the epidemic. We reject indifference in the face of a preventable crisis. The valley needs clear, coordinated, and immediate action," declares MONJER.

The National Youth Movement of the Republic of Values demands "the activation of a biosecurity plan in all affected areas: use of waterproof bags for animal corpses and contaminated bedding; controlled transport to dedicated pits for incineration; systematic disinfection of enclosures, corridors, equipment and water points; emergency health census of livestock, with slaughter of very severe cases (without bloodshed) according to veterinary protocols, and traceability of animal movements."

In addition to "human and material reinforcements for departmental and regional livestock services: veterinarians, auxiliaries, biosecurity equipment and inputs", a "public and transparent schedule of interventions (livestock and human health), including regular bulletins on animal losses, active outbreaks and ongoing measures"; a "preventive vaccination program planned before the wintering, with clear coverage and prioritization once the outbreak is contained"; a "system of assistance to livestock farmers: technical support, coverage of carcass management costs, and mechanisms to alleviate economic losses".

Call to authorities and collective responsibility

The youth of the RDV are calling on the authorities to urgently contain the virus outbreak and protect both human lives and the livelihoods of herders. They are calling on local authorities, community leaders, and technical partners to coordinate their actions for a rapid, rigorous, and transparent response. They are committed to remaining fully mobilized alongside the people of the valley and to contributing to any coordination platform aimed at breaking the chain of transmission of Rift Valley fever.