Rabies Free Africa: Vetcor's Global Mission to Save Lives

September 27, 2024

Rabies is a deadly, yet easily preventable, disease that claims the lives of approximately 60,000 people every year, equivalent to one life lost every nine minutes. These deaths are mostly in Africa, India, and other parts of Asia, and, sadly, one-half of the deaths occur in children under the age of 16. 

To combat this preventable tragedy, Vetcor has partnered with the Paul G. Allen School for Global Health at Washington State University in a life-changing initiative called Rabies Free Africa. We are honored to stand with Rabies Free Africa at the forefront of the crucial fight against rabies.  

Eliminating Rabies with Rabies Free Africa 

Rabies Free Africa leads in the development and deployment of the strategies needed to eliminate rabies worldwide: 

Vaccination Campaigns 

Shockingly, dogs contribute to up to 99% of all rabies transmissions to humans. Rabies Free Africa implements widespread vaccination campaigns, particularly targeting dogs, the primary source of rabies transmission to humans. If we can prevent the disease at its source, we can create a safer environment for both humans and animals. 

Veterinary Expertise

For two decades, Rabies Free Africa has been on the ground in local Maasai villages, vaccinating the shepherding communities "Boma to Boma", meaning “house to house”. This hands-on approach ensures that even the most remote areas receive critical vaccinations. 

Centralized Clinics 

To ensure that no dog is left unvaccinated, Rabies Free Africa also vaccinates hundreds of dogs a day at large-scale vaccination clinics in villages and sub-villages. Central clinic staff also arranges visits for those who are unable to return to the clinics for follow-up appointments. 

Research and Development

Ongoing research is critical to developing targeted strategies to eliminate rabies as a cause of human suffering and death. Rabies Free Africa actively contributed to the development of innovative breakthroughs, such as the Zeepot, a clay storage device that can safely hold vaccines for 3-6 months without the need for refrigeration.

Cutting Edge Technology

Through the use of facial recognition technology, Rabies Free Africa tracks all vaccinated dogs, leading to greater efficiencies. Embracing this technology and other strategies in the future is crucial to get us to the goal faster. 

The Impact of Rabies Free Africa 

Community Engagement

Community engagement and government involvement are integral to the initiative's success. Rabies Free Africa actively promotes awareness about rabies prevention, responsible pet ownership, and the importance of seeking immediate medical attention after potential exposure. 

Noticeable Reduction in Rabies Cases

Rabies Free Africa’s work has contributed to a significant reduction in rabies cases. They have delivered over 2.5M vaccine doses and have reduced deaths to zero in the vaccination area, representing approximately 750 lives saved so far (based on similar communities without vaccination).  In addition, Rabies Free Africa has administered prevention treatment to 75% of patients exposed to rabies through a non-vaccinated dog. While life-saving, this treatment comes at the cost of anywhere between 2-12 months of a family’s income, so increasing the vaccination rates is important. Current data shows that 1 in 20 exposures results in death—especially if the family cannot afford the post-exposure treatment and transport costs. 

Rabies Ambassadors 

Vetcor team members, after participating in the initiative, become Rabies Ambassadors. They share their experiences, stories, pictures, and videos, creating a ripple effect of awareness within and outside Vetcor. 

Behind the Vetcor Partnership 

Building Community 

Vetcor's dedicated participation in Rabies Free Africa fosters meaningful connections, nurtures a sense of belonging, and embodies the foundational principle of community building within our organization. 

One Health Approach 

Vetcor showcases a commitment to the One Health concept, making a global impact on dogs, cats, people (especially children), and wildlife affected by dog-hosted rabies. 

Employee Engagement and Purpose 

Vetcor team members return from Rabies Free Africa trips with a renewed sense of purpose, feeling bonded to Vetcor, and exemplifying the core value of taking pride in their work. 

Recruitment and Continuing Education 

 

The initiative provides a valuable Continuing Education opportunity for veterinarians and technicians, helping in recruiting new talent who share the excitement about Vetcor's mission. 

Vetcor’s Commitment to Rabies Free Africa 

Vetcor is dedicated to ensuring a day when no one dies from rabies. To this end, we are committed to supporting the following initiatives throughout our hospital network.  

Rabies Vaccine Give Back Campaign

Participating Vetcor hospitals have the option to donate $1 per rabies vaccination administered. Participating in the campaign connects hospital clients to this global need and provides a way for all Vetcor hospitals to work together for the good of pets and people around the world. 

Vetcor Annual Trips 

Vetcor team members can choose to actively participate in the initiative by joining a Vetcor medical team on an annual Rabies Free Africa trip. If you are a Vetcor veterinary staff member and want more information about joining an annual trip, contact your Hospital Manager.  

 

Rabies Awareness in local communities

Vetcor hospitals are encouraged to extend their impact locally by speaking at schools, community events, and vaccination clinics to raise awareness about the importance of rabies vaccination.  

Through hands-on efforts, technological innovation, and active community engagement, Vetcor is making strides towards a Rabies Free Africa, embodying their core values and leaving a lasting impact on global health for humans and animals alike.