The campaign will target camels, cattle, sheep and goats of the nomadic communities of Gokar, Hashaba Gokar, Sandikoro, Hilat Zaghawa and elsewhere along Wadi Rati, south of Aljeneina, before heading north to the Seleia district.

"Until now, not much attention has been paid to nomadic communities," said a community leader in Sandikoro. "This initiative is a positive gesture and a welcome change."

The Ministry of Animal Resources and Fisheries is providing the vaccines and a doctor, technicians and nurses, who will work with ICRC staff throughout the campaign.

Livestock health has been a major source of anxiety for nomadic communities in Darfur, especially since many traditional migratory routes were disrupted by the conflict, depriving camels and cattle of regular access to veterinary services.

"We are happy and relieved to know that the ICRC can help vaccinate our animals this year," said a community leader in Kalkaj. "We have lost many to diseases, and the losses have put great strain on our livelihoods."

This is the first phase of a major campaign the ICRC intends to conduct with the aim of vaccinating up to 850,000 animals in all three Darfur states – 180,000 in West Darfur alone – by the end of the year.