Zimbabwe Gets 100,000 Rabies Vaccines From WOAH

Zimbabwe has received 100,000 rabies vaccine doses from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) to support efforts to fight the deadly disease.

The Government now has 256,000 doses in stock and is targetting a total of 600,000 nationwide.

The vaccines were handed over on Wednesday in Harare by WOAH’s Sub-Regional Representative for Southern Africa, Moetapele Letshwenyo, in the presence of senior officials from the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development.

Deputy Lands Minister Davis Marapira described the donation as a timely boost to the country’s rabies control programme. Said Marapira:

“This generous donation from WOAH comes at a critical moment for Zimbabwe’s public and animal health sectors.

“With these vaccines, we will be able to ramp up our vaccination campaigns, protecting communities and livestock across the country.”

Letshwenyo praised Zimbabwe for making efficient use of past WOAH vaccine donations, saying the country had maximised the impact of the 110,000 doses provided in 2019. Said Letshwenyo:

“Zimbabwe has shown exemplary commitment in utilising the 110 000 rabies vaccines we provided in 2019, ensuring they reached communities in need and helped curb the spread of this deadly disease.

“As a fully-subscribed member of WOAH, Zimbabwe demonstrates the benefits of strong veterinary governance and adherence to international standards.

“We look forward to continued engagement with Zimbabwe, strengthening our partnership to safeguard both animal and human health across the region.”

Rabies is still a major problem in Zimbabwe, with most human cases caused by domestic dogs.

Vaccination rates in some areas remain below the World Health Organisation’s target of 70% needed to prevent outbreaks.

Deputy Minister Marapira said the new vaccines will go to high-risk districts across the country, supporting both mass dog vaccinations and stray dog programmes.

He said that local veterinary and health workers will help ensure the vaccines are stored correctly until use.

More: The Herald

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