Protecting Communities: The Importance of Rabies Prevention Through One Health

For many, dogs and cats are cherished family members who bring joy, comfort, and companionship into our lives. With this bond comes the responsibility to safeguard them—and ourselves—from serious threats like rabies, a zoonotic disease of significant concern in many regions, including Africa.

Rabies, transmitted primarily through the bite of an infected animal, is a deadly virus that is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear. However, it is preventable through vaccination.

This September, as we observe Rabies Month, Future Africa is shining a spotlight on the critical importance of rabies prevention through the One Health approach. This holistic approach emphasises the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, underscoring that protecting our pets also protects our communities.

Future Africa’s Role in Rabies Prevention

Future Africa, a pan-African collaborative research platform of the University of Pretoria (UP), is at the forefront of promoting the One Health approach. Under the leadership of Professor Wanda Markotter, the Future Africa Research Chair: People, Health, and Places (One Health) and Director of UP’s Centre for Viral Zoonoses (UP CVZ), the platform is addressing critical health challenges through community engagement and collaboration.

On 4 September 2024, Future Africa facilitated a successful dog vaccination campaign against rabies in the village of Ga Mampa in the province of Limpopo. This campaign was not just about preventing rabies but also about enhancing overall community health and well-being.

Speaking on the impact of the campaign, Dr Tedson Nkoana, Academic Project Coordinator for the Research Chair: People, Health, and Places (One Health), said “Part of our work is to collaborate with communities, the government, and the private sector to raise awareness and advocate for zoonotic diseases like rabies. The recent campaign in Ga Mampa was a significant milestone in this effort. We vaccinated 209 dogs, representing more than 50% of the households. This will go a long way to protect both animal and human health in the village.”

Collaborative Efforts in Ga Mampa

Future Africa excels in fostering collaboration among researchers, community members, and various stakeholders to address urgent pressing issues. The ongoing efforts in Ga Mampa are a good example. Alongside the rabies vaccination campaign, the Animal Health Care initiative, launched in 2023, has made considerable strides in improving livestock health in the region.

This initiative is a partnership between the Ga Mampa Livestock Committee (local livestock owners), the Limpopo Department of Agriculture & Rural Development, Afrivet Training Services, and researchers from UP CVZ.

It began when UP researchers observed a high prevalence of ticks on local cattle while studying bats in the area. Since then, two workshops have been conducted to focus on the prevention, treatment, and management of livestock health, with a particular emphasis on tick infestations.

Why Rabies Awareness Matters

Rabies awareness is more than a public health concern; it is essential for creating safer, healthier communities for both people and animals. This Rabies Month, Future Africa urges everyone to ensure their pets are up-to-date with vaccinations and to continue advocating for rabies prevention. By doing so, we all contribute to a safer and healthier environment.

Pictures taken during the Dog vaccination campaign at Ga-Mampa