Date: September 28, 2025
Theme: “Act Now: You, Me, Community”
IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS – Every year on September 28th, the global community observes World Rabies Day. This day is dedicated to raising public awareness about the dangers of rabies and the most effective methods for its prevention and control, with the ultimate goal of eliminating the disease.
The 2025 theme, “Act Now: You, Me, Community,” underscores the critical importance of individual and collective action in combating this public health threat.
Why is Rabies a Serious Threat?
Rabies is a viral disease that causes severe brain inflammation and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. The virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected animal, primarily dogs. Crucially, death from rabies is 100% preventable through:
- Mass animal vaccination (especially of dogs) to break the transmission cycle.
- Immediate post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for bite victims.
The global strategic goal, known as “Zero by 30,” aims to achieve zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030.
International and African Efforts: The One Health Approach
Through the Afrique One-REACH network, eight African countries are demonstrating their commitment to this goal. This network, via its Thematic Training Programme in Emerging and Endemic Zoonoses (TTP-EEZ), contributes research and implements strategies that integrate animal and human health sectors—a core principle of the One Health approach.
Below is a summary of the various awareness and vaccination activities carried out by member countries during the World Rabies Day period:
- Benin: Free dog vaccination campaigns were conducted in the cities of Cotonou and Porto-Novo, complemented by community talks and school visits.
- Chad: Activities included door-to-door education, free dog vaccination in high-risk areas, and educational announcements on radio and social media.
- Ghana: Veterinary teams carried out mass dog vaccination campaigns in the Ashanti, Greater Accra, and Northern regions.
- Ivory Coast: A major event titled “Tous ensemble, agissons pour zéro mort de rage” (All together, let’s act for zero rabies deaths) was held in Abobo District, featuring mass dog vaccination, educational film screenings, and vaccine support from Gavi’s investment strategy.
- Kenya: Organizers including ASAL eXtension Ltd and ILRI conducted vaccination and sterilization drives in Marsabit County and professional training in Machakos County.
- Senegal: Efforts included school and community awareness sessions, mass dog vaccination in urban and peri-urban areas, and professional seminars for veterinarians and health workers.
- Tanzania: The Matamba Veterinary Clinic in the Katavi Region organized a week-long campaign culminating on September 28. Activities included:
- Rabies vaccination for pets and stray animals.
- Public awareness through media, radio, SMS, and clinic education.
- Deworming services.
- Creation of a pet owner database to support future neutering programs.
- Togo: Local veterinary clinics and NGOs focused on providing free dog vaccinations, hosting bite prevention workshops, and conducting door-to-door health education in peri-urban areas.
Spotlight on Research and Innovation
The Afrique One-REACH network is also driving progress through research. PhD fellows in Chad and Ivory Coast are evaluating innovative solutions, such as:
- Digital Tools (Chad): Assessing a clinical decision support system (SANU-TD) and a vaccine stock management app (BlockRabies) to improve PEP delivery and link human and animal health data.
- Blockchain Technology (Ivory Coast): Exploring integrated information systems to optimize rabies control and strengthen One Health collaboration.
National Collaboration in Tanzania
In Tanzania, the fight against rabies involves a collaborative effort from the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, the Ministry of Health, private practitioners like veterinarians, and civil society actors. These stakeholders play a vital role in disseminating prevention messages, promoting responsible pet ownership, and ensuring the availability of animal vaccines.
Conclusion
World Rabies Day serves as a critical reminder that this deadly disease is entirely preventable. Close collaboration between pet owners, health professionals, government, and the community is the key to achieving the “Zero by 30” target. By vaccinating your dogs, seeking immediate care after a bite, and educating others, we can all contribute to ending the needless deaths caused by dog-mediated rabies.
Remember: If you are bitten by any animal, especially a dog, seek medical advice immediately.
Source: This article was prepared using information from the Afrique One-REACH network’s “World Rabies Day 2025” document and various international animal health media sources.