About Us

Rural Wellness Initiative Egypt was established to improve the health and wellness of our farming community through improving the health of farmers' animals. Our Egyptian outreach program, which includes a veterinary outreach service, started when the manager of Al Sorat Farm in Egypt noticed that animals living in the country were in need of medical attention. Farmers did not know how to keep their animals healthy, and there were few options in terms of veterinary care. Government vets were scarce and private veterinary options were above the farmers' means. Even if they could afford care, they couldn't pay for medications or the gasoline needed to transport their animals. We knew we could help.

Livestock

Local Success

From 2001 to 2011, the equine population of Al Sorat Farm grew from eight to 24. Parasite control measures and locally based feeding were proving successful and affordable. The goal to keep animals healthy enough to reduce the cost of veterinary expenses was working. We realized that if we could teach preventive medicine practices to the local farmers, everyone would benefit.

Better Animal Care

We started with basic low-cost parasite control, hoof trimming for horses, mules, and donkeys, and first aid for wounds. From there, we added other services with the assistance of veterinarians, such as minor surgeries, mobile vet clinics, and annual workshops. More education and better animal care translate to higher farmer productivity, fewer animal parasites, better quality manure for fertilizer, and healthier milk from cows and buffalo.

Outreach

Our farm staff joined apprenticeship programs with veterinarians and farriers to learn new skills. Prior to this they had attended schools that were understaffed and overcrowded leaving with little formal education, but they had extensive practical experience in caring for animals whether sick or well. We located companies that would provide medical supplies at wholesale prices, and we teamed up with young local veterinarians and began reaching out to the farmers who needed help.

Community Benefits

In addition to the overall improved health of animals in the area, farm staff have benefited. Taking hands-on veterinary courses and exposure to university-level classes during Farriers' Week, have helped the farm staff learn more technical knowledge in addition to their extensive practical experience which is often greater than the practical experience of graduating veterinary students. In the process, they have become more curious about all aspects of farming and animal care and are experimenting with their own projects, which necessitate being trained in the economic aspects of farming projects and the concepts of profits and losses. These young men who were once seen as very average rural workers are now seen as educated and skilled individuals.

Community Engagement

The sense of community within our treatment area has increased as farmers get to know each other when they visit either the farm or one of our mobile clinics. They find themselves part of conversations with the farm staff and the veterinarians. They exchange ideas with each other and learn from professionals who listen respectfully and make suggestions rather than simply ignoring the farmers. The entire community has begun to see the benefit of cooperative ventures and new ideas.