Story by Tendai Munengwa
HARARE – THE Government has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating dog-mediated human rabies by 2030 as part of a broader global public health initiative.
The pledge comes as the country hosts a strategic stakeholder engagement meeting aimed at validating and adopting the National Plan for the Elimination of Dog-Mediated Human Rabies.
Rabies, though entirely preventable, continues to claim lives across the world, with rural communities in Zimbabwe being the most vulnerable due to limited access to life-saving vaccines.
According to the Department of Veterinary Services, of the 252 suspected rabies samples collected in 2023, 134 tested positive.
Deputy Director in the Veterinary Services Department, Dr Jairas Machakwa, said the goal to eliminate dog-mediated rabies is not only a veterinary concern but a broader public health and justice issue.
“Rabies is 100 percent preventable, yet it tragically continues to take lives. Eliminating dog-mediated rabies is not just a veterinary priority it is a matter of social justice, health equity and animal welfare,” he said.
Dr Michael Vere from the Harare City Health Department stressed the importance of vaccine availability in local health facilities as a cornerstone of the national rabies elimination strategy.
“As strategies towards a zero rabies by 2030, we need to be mindful that availability of rabies vaccines like for HIV drugs must be a priority, because many who are bitten by affected dogs die because lack of vaccines as they are expensive. As we move to prevent the rabies, focus should be directed towards ensuring vaccines are available at local clinics,” he said.
Presentations made during Monday’s engagement meeting in Harare revealed that rabies still kills nearly 60 000 people globally every year, despite being entirely preventable.
The strategic plan to eliminate dog-mediated rabies will focus on improved vaccination coverage for domestic animals, public awareness campaigns, and better inter-sectoral coordination among government departments, local authorities and health professionals.
