Giving Back with Rabies Free Africa in Tanzania – A Life-Changing Experience
December 19, 2024
Last month, an incredible group of Vetcor team members embarked on a life-changing journey to Tanzania as part of our partnership with Rabies Free Africa (RFA). This trip was more than just a travel opportunity; it was a testament to the profound impact veterinarians can have on a global scale. RFA embodies the essence of One Health highlighting the interconnectedness of animal, human, and environmental health.
Vetcor + RFA by the numbers
- 12 Vetcor team members traveled to Tanzania to become RFA Ambassadors
- 1,250 dogs and cats vaccinated by the RFA Vetcor team
- 84 hospitals currently participating in the RFA program by donating $1 for every rabies vaccine administered
Our team included ten veterinarians, one licensed veterinary technician, and one certified veterinary assistant, joining forces with the Rabies Free Africa team and esteemed members from Washington State University, including Dr. Dori Borjesson, Dean of WSU's College of Veterinary Medicine. Together, we traveled to East Africa to support the vital mission of RFA, which is the elimination of rabies as a cause of human suffering and death in Tanzania. The trip not only reinforced our shared commitment to giving back but also reminded us why we chose this profession — to make a meaningful difference.
Over the past few months, several Vetcor hospitals have partnered with RFA to donate $1 for every rabies vaccine administered. In recognition of this partnership, Vetcor sponsors a select group of veterinary professionals to experience and contribute to the work being done on the ground in Tanzania. This trip underscored why giving back is central to our profession. By experiencing the impact of RFA firsthand, our team has become ambassadors for this program, sharing the powerful stories and connections they formed with their colleagues back home. The team participated in boma-to-boma vaccinations and two large community vaccination clinics, administering over 1,250 rabies vaccinations.
Rabies is a 100% preventable disease, and the vaccine is highly effective. Yet, rabies continues to cause immense suffering in Tanzania, particularly among children, as well as in wildlife and domestic dogs. In the Serengeti, rabies is primarily transmitted from dogs to wildlife, threatening biodiversity. In Tanzania’s villages, dogs are not stray wanderers. They are integral members of the family who play crucial roles in security and herding. Vaccinating dogs doesn’t just prevent rabies — it transforms the human-animal bond. With these vaccinations, fear diminishes, relationships deepen, and communities grow stronger.
What makes the RFA initiative truly special is its commitment to sustainable, locally driven solutions. The program collaborates with Tanzanian government agencies, research institutes, and academic institutions to build lasting infrastructure and support. By collecting data to highlight the economic and health impact of rabies prevention, the initiative ensures long-term support from the community and the government.
Tanzania is the perfect country to catalyze this transition from an American donor-based program to a sustainable, Tanzanian-maintained institution. Programs like this provide workforce development opportunities for local youth, empowering the next generation while creating a healthier and more connected society. The Vetcor team witnessed the dedication and effectiveness of this model. Every dog vaccinated, every conversation with community members, and every moment spent in the Serengeti underscored the profound connection between veterinary medicine and global health.
Our team members brought home not only lasting memories but also a renewed passion for their work and an ability to share the importance of the RFA initiative with their colleagues and communities. These trips remind us that our profession extends far beyond clinic walls, connecting us to a global mission of health, compassion, and sustainability.
Together, through programs like Rabies Free Africa, we reaffirm our commitment to improving lives—both animal and human—worldwide.
Thank you to all who made this work possible, from our generous participating hospitals to the inspiring teams in Tanzania. Special thanks to Boehringer-Ingelheim, Royal Canin, and Bravado’s Fund for sponsoring our team on their trip to Tanzania. Seeing is believing, and we are proud to be ambassadors for this vital cause.
Together, we make a difference.
If you are a part of Team Vetcor and you’d like to learn more about Rabies Free Africa, visit Vetcor + RFA and reach out to your COSA to find out how your hospital can get involved.
Written by: Dr. Michelle Shoemaker, Chief Veterinary Officer
