Authorities in Kiteto District, Manyara Region, have launched a rabies control campaign that positions animal health as a key element of community safety.
The initiative is being led by the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries in collaboration with the Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA).
The campaign, which began on September 26, 2025, combines free vaccinations for dogs and cats with sterilization and deworming.
It goes beyond treating animals to address public health risks, reflecting the fact that rabies remains one of the most lethal zoonotic diseases.
Officials have stressed that the campaign is not only about veterinary care but also about reshaping public attitudes.
By reaching schools and households, the program aims to embed awareness that protecting animals is integral to protecting people. This reflects a broader shift towards community-based disease prevention.
Removing cost barriers is central to the strategy. Free services are expected to encourage more households to vaccinate and sterilize their pets, reducing the number of unprotected animals and limiting stray populations that often drive transmission.
The exercise is a build-up to the national commemoration of World Rabies Day, which will be held in Kiteto on September 29, 2025, under the theme “Take Action Now; Me, You, and the Community.”
The event is expected to underscore collective responsibility, with authorities calling for sustained coordination between government, institutions, and communities.