By Jones Gadama
Mission Rabies Malawi, a project of Worldwide Veterinary Services, is set to embark on its 11th dog rabies mass vaccination campaign in Blantyre.
The campaign, which is expected to commence on April 26, will run for five weekends across the city and aims to vaccinate over 20,000 dogs.
According to Project Coordinator for Blantyre District, Nelson Mundira, the exercise has been instrumental in reducing human rabies cases in the district since its inception in 2015.
Mundira highlighted that the vaccination campaign will not only be limited to Blantyre but will also be extended to some districts in the central region, including Mangochi, Machinga, and Ntcheu.
This move is part of Mission Rabies Malawi’s efforts to combat rabies in the country and protect both human and animal lives.
Mission Rabies Malawi Country Director, Dr. Inga McDermott, revealed that last year, the organization vaccinated 150,000 dogs outside Blantyre City in collaboration with the Malawi Department of Animal Health and Livestock Development.
This effort is crucial in controlling the spread of rabies, a disease that claims around 500 lives annually in Malawi, according to published public health data.
The dog rabies mass vaccination campaign is a vital initiative that aims to protect both humans and animals from the deadly disease.
Rabies is a significant public health concern in Malawi, and the efforts of Mission Rabies Malawi and the Department of Animal Health and Livestock Development are crucial in addressing this issue.
The vaccination campaign will be conducted over five weekends, providing an opportunity for dog owners in Blantyre and the surrounding districts to have their pets vaccinated against rabies.
The exercise will be carried out by a team of dedicated professionals who will ensure that the vaccinations are administered safely and effectively.
Mundira urged dog owners in Blantyre and the surrounding districts to take advantage of the vaccination campaign and have their pets vaccinated against rabies.
He emphasized that the vaccination campaign is not only important for the health and well-being of the dogs but also for the protection of human lives.
The collaboration between Mission Rabies Malawi and the Department of Animal Health and Livestock Development is a testament to the commitment of both organizations to combat rabies in Malawi.
The efforts of these organizations have been instrumental in reducing the number of human rabies cases in the district, and their continued collaboration will be crucial in achieving their goal of eliminating rabies in Malawi.
As the vaccination campaign approaches, dog owners in Blantyre and the surrounding districts are encouraged to prepare their pets for vaccination.
The campaign will provide a valuable opportunity for dog owners to ensure that their pets are protected against rabies, and it is essential that they take advantage of this service.
The impact of rabies on communities in Malawi cannot be overstated. The disease is a significant public health concern, and the efforts of Mission Rabies Malawi and the Department of Animal Health and Livestock Development are crucial in addressing this issue.
By vaccinating dogs against rabies, the organizations are not only protecting the animals but also reducing the risk of transmission to humans.
The dog rabies mass vaccination campaign by Mission Rabies Malawi is a vital initiative that aims to protect both humans and animals from the deadly disease.
The campaign, which will be conducted over five weekends, will provide an opportunity for dog owners in Blantyre and the surrounding districts to have their pets vaccinated against rabies.
With the collaboration of the Department of Animal Health and Livestock Development, Mission Rabies Malawi is committed to combating rabies in Malawi and protecting both human and animal lives.
The efforts of Mission Rabies Malawi and the Department of Animal Health and Livestock Development are a testament to their commitment to public health and animal welfare.
As the vaccination campaign approaches, it is essential that dog owners in Blantyre and the surrounding districts take advantage of this service and have their pets vaccinated against rabies.
By working together, we can combat rabies and protect both human and animal lives.
