Source: Comprehensive plan to eliminate dog-mediated rabies by 2030 unveiled – herald
Patience Maturure
Agriculture Reporter
ZIMBABWE has developed a comprehensive multi-sectoral plan to combat rabies, embracing the One Health approach as part of efforts to eliminate dog-mediated rabies by 2030.
The Government is working closely with key partners, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) to curb the disease.
Addressing participants at a meeting on the strategic plan for the elimination of dog-mediated human rabies in Zimbabwe by 2030 on Monday, Department of Veterinary Field Services director Dr Jairas Machakwa said rabies remained one of the oldest yet most neglected zoonotic diseases known to mankind.
“Rabies is 100 percent preventable and yet, tragically, still claims the lives of thousands of people across the world each year, with the majority of cases occurring in Africa and Asia.
“In Zimbabwe, as in many other countries in the region, rabies continues to pose a serious public health and veterinary threat, particularly in rural communities where access to timely post-exposure prophylaxis remains limited,” he said.
Dr Machakwa said Zimbabwe was committed to eliminating dog-mediated rabies by 2030, aligning with the global “Zero by 30” strategy.
He noted that the initiative recognised the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health in achieving this goal.
“The burden of rabies is not only medical, but also economic and emotional — affecting families, communities, and the already strained health systems. It is a disease of poverty, disproportionately affecting children and the most vulnerable members of our society,” he said.
Rabies is responsible for 59 000 global deaths each year.
Dr Machakwa said eliminating dog-mediated rabies was a multi-faceted issue that required attention to social justice, health equity and animal welfare, extending beyond veterinary concerns.
He emphasised that the global “Zero by 30” strategy was a comprehensive, multi-sectoral roadmap that embraced the One Health approach — recognising that the health of people is closely connected to the health of animals and the environment.
The plan, Dr Machakwa explained, focused on several strategic areas, including enhanced surveillance, mass dog vaccinations, accessible post-exposure treatment, community awareness and inter-sectoral collaboration.
“This plan can only be effective if we, as stakeholders, commit to walking this journey together. The fight against rabies is not the responsibility of one ministry or one sector. It requires coordinated effort, political will, technical expertise and community involvement at every level,” he said.
Dr Machakwa urged the need to dismantle barriers to post-exposure care in rural communities, where the disease thrives in the shadows of neglect.
“Everyone should participate actively, share valuable insights and contribute to developing a practical strategy that will protect lives and pave the way for a rabies-free Zimbabwe. By working together, we can reach our goal of zero rabies deaths by 2030,” he said.
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