22 May 2021, Kisarawe: It is estimated that 1500 people die every year in Tanzania from rabies. A disease that is preventable by vaccines. Tanzania, like other countries in the world, aims to eliminate rabies by 2030 and has been working in collaboration with partners, including UN agencies to implement interventions to control rabies.

In May 2021, African Regional One Health University Network (AFROHUN), collaborated with PMO/OHCD, FAO, Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation Natural resources and Livestock (MAINL) - Zanzibar, Ifakara Health Initiative (IHI), Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC) and to implement a rabies campaign in Kisarawe District.

The campaign exemplified continued collaboration across multiple sectors to control diseases that affect both humans and animals.

The campaign was officially opened by the district commissioner for Kisarawe Ms. Jokate Mwegelo  who appreciated the campaign being in her district for prevention of rabies in dogs and cats and ensuring people are protected.

Students from Sokoine University of Agriculture and Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, were engaged to provide vaccines and lead community awareness activities. In Kisarawe District, a total of 5000 dogs were vaccinated.

 “This is a remarkable success than we could manage routinely,” said Kisarawe district veterinary officer, Mr. Expery Juma Kimboka.

 “This model has proved that large numbers of dogs and cats are successfully vaccinated within a short time and at a reduced costs. Engagement of students, has facilitated vaccination of more dogs than we at the district veterinary office could reach routinely", he added.

Tanzania uses multisectoral coordination mechanisms and a One Health Approach to implement the national rabies control strategy (July 2019) which aims at elimination of dog mediated human rabies by 2030. Following a stepwise approach in rabies elimination (SARE), Tanzania is currently at stage three of the six stage approach. 

WHO appreciates the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for funding the Rabies Elimination Demonstration Project, and enabling the development of the first National Rabies Control Strategy for Tanzania.