Tanzania becomes third African nation with official Rabies control plan

 

By The Respondent Reporter

The Government of Tanzania has launched an official national plan to eliminate rabies, becoming the third country in Africa to adopt such a program. 

The initiative is part of global efforts to eradicate the disease by 2030.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Ms. Agnes Meena, made the announcement on Monday during the national commemoration of World Rabies Day in Kiteto District, Manyara Region.

She said the plan, endorsed by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), provides a framework for mass vaccination of all dogs and cats in the country over the next five years.

“Through this plan, we are confident that by 2030 Tanzania will be among the countries that have successfully eradicated rabies,” said Ms. Meena. She called on communities to report animals exhibiting abnormal behavior to veterinary officers or local authorities.

Ms. Meena stressed that while dogs, cats and other animals are important to human life, they can become dangerous without vaccination. 

“The purpose of these commemorations is to remind and educate ourselves on how to collectively fight against rabies,” she added.

Director of Veterinary Services in the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Dr. Benezeth Lutege, said progress is already being made.

 In Kiteto District, 3,653 dogs and 212 cats have been vaccinated this year alone. In addition, 96 dogs and five cats have been neutered, while sterilization procedures were performed on 52 dogs and 26 cats.

Kiteto District Administrative Secretary, Ms. Mufandii Msaghaa, who delivered a report on behalf of the District Commissioner, said the district has continued to implement government policies on livestock by prioritizing animal disease control.

 “The government has been committed to providing vaccines for animals every year, and our experts continue to carry out these services in line with national policy,” she said.

This year’s World Rabies Day was marked under the theme “End Rabies: Act Now, Me, You and the Community.”

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