TZ, US join forces in battle against rabies

TANZANIA: IN commemoration of World Rabies Day, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through its Breakthrough ACTION project and the Government of Tanzania are leading a concerted effort to protect vulnerable communities from the deadly threat of rabies.

The comprehensive initiatives focus on education, vaccination programmes and community engagement, aiming to break the cycle of rabies transmission and safeguard the health of both humans and animals.

Rabies remains a significant public health challenge in Tanzania, claiming the lives of approximately 59,000 people globally each year, with a substantial number of these cases occurring in Africa.

The disease, which is primarily transmitted through the bites of infected animals, particularly dogs, poses a severe risk to communities that lack access to public health education and veterinary care.

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The government of Tanzania is represented by the Prime Minister’s Office One Health Section, the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Ministry of Health and the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG), Assistant Director of Veterinary Services at the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Dr Stanford Ndibalema said there is need for collaboration in combating rabies.

“The partnership between USAID and the Tanzanian government is crucial in our fight against rabies,” he said.

He added that by working together, the government of Tanzania and USAID can ensure the communities are educated about the risks of rabies and properly empowered to take proactive steps in protecting themselves and their pets.

Dr Ndibalema underscored the critical need for vaccination and community awareness campaigns, highlighting.

“Every vaccinated dog is a step toward to having a rabies-free community.”

In line with World Rabies Day, USAID’s initiatives focus on educating local populations about rabies, the importance of vaccinating pets and the appropriate actions to take in case of an animal bite.

The “Holela Holela Itakukosti” campaign, translating to “recklessness is costly,” encourages responsible dog vaccination and pet ownership to reduce the transmission of rabies within communities.

Ms Revina John, a mother of three from Mwanza, recounted her experience, saying “before the campaign, I had no idea how dangerous rabies could be.”

She added: “After we learnt about the importance of vaccinating our dogs, we took immediate action. Now, I feel much safer allowing my children to play outside.”

Local leaders and health workers have been mobilised to conduct outreach programmes, ensuring that even the most remote areas have access to vital information and resources.