Mercy Corps and Kompanion supply veterinarians with equipment to fight anthrax


On July 17, AmCham members- Mercy Corps and Kompanion Financial Group provided Jalal-Abad regional veterinarians 32 sets of uniforms and disinfectant bleach to combat an outbreak of anthrax in the region. The total value of the supplies provided is about USD 650.

”We greatly appreciate the professional help provided by Mercy Corps and Kompanion. Nobody was interested in our problems before Kompanion and Mercy Corps. This prompt and efficient support has avoided more serious consequences,” says Oblast veterinary coordinator and head of Municipal Department of Governmental Veterinary Alykul Sabirhanov.

Torrential rains and mudslides in May and June have caused a peak in anthrax cases in Jalal-Abad and the surrounding region. As a result some of Nooken and Bazar-Korgon rural districts were infected with this dangerous and contagious disease. The hospital reported that twelve people of the suspected 19 were confirmed to have been exposed to anthrax. Anthrax is a great threat to rural regions and their livestock.

In order to prevent a widespread outbreak of anthrax, local veterinarians must provide two doses of disinfectant products to remove anthrax from livestock. However, the regional state veterinary department lacked the necessary funding and was unable to administer these disinfectant products.

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Kompanion is a community development financial institution established by Mercy Corps Kyrgyzstan in 2004. Kompanion's mission is to be the leading community development financial institution in Kyrgyzstan.

Registered with the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic, Kompanion is represented in all oblasts and regions of Kyrgyzstan, providing services to more than 111,000 customers (June 2010) and is the number one largest financial institution in Kyrgyzstan as measured by the number of customers.  Kompanion supports the strengthening and growth of communities by offering development products and services to entrepreneurs and individuals.

Mercy Corps is a leading global economic development and aid organization.  Kompanion represents the culmination of Mercy Corps’ 12-year work in micro credit and its desire to leave an enduring and sustainable community development financial institution as its legacy to the people of Kyrgyzstan.