Maputo, Mozambique
WOAH donates 100,000 doses of rabies vaccines to Mozambique to implement mass dog vaccination campaign in hotspot areas.
October 07, 2025
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A few months ago, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) donated 100,000 doses of rabies vaccine to the United Republic of Tanzania, supporting the government’s efforts to eliminate human deaths caused by dog-mediated rabies. This donation significantly strengthened Tanzania’s National Rabies Control Plan, which was formally endorsed by WOAH during its 92nd General Session in 2025. WOAH is committed to providing technical support and facilitating the implementation of international standards to enhance veterinary services. In collaboration with international partners, WOAH remains dedicated to attaining the global objective of eliminating human deaths caused by dog-mediated rabies by 2030. The WOAH Rabies Vaccine Bank plays a vital role in supplying member countries with high-quality canine rabies vaccines, thereby supporting widespread vaccination campaigns.
The handover occurred at TVLA during a side event held in conjunction with the WAAW 2025 commemoration in Dar es Salaam.
Tanzania has demonstrated a strong commitment by establishing a National Rabies Control Programme that aligns with global objectives to eliminate dog-mediated human rabies deaths by 2030, harnessing the implementation of international standards and strengthening PVS (Performance of Veterinary Service) system. WOAH remains dedicated to supporting such initiatives to strengthen efforts in protecting both animal and human health throughout the region.
Dr. Bitanyi conveyed her sincere gratitude for WOAH’s continued support and highlighted the ongoing efforts toward PPR eradication. She referenced the twinning programs between TVLA and OVR with WOAH, which are nearing completion and have significantly contributed to PPR interventions in Tanzania.
Furthermore, she mentioned an upcoming twinning project led by CIRAD and The Pirbright Institute (TPI) aimed at strengthening capacity for Rift valley fever (RVF) management. Additionally, Dr. Bitanyi acknowledged progress in national rabies vaccine production initiatives but noted that contamination challenges have hindered advancement. Consequently, she emphasized the critical need for capacity building within national vaccine production and quality control systems to empower researchers, enhance national capabilities, and ensure the sustainability of vaccination programs targeting dog-mediated human rabies control.
Dr. Benezeth Lutege Malinda, Director of Veterinary Services, Tanzania, during the mass dog vaccination campaign. Picture © Tanzania team (2025)
During the rabies day commemoration week in September 2025, a total of 82,864 dogs and 2,465 cats received vaccinations. This substantial coverage demonstrates robust community engagement and an increasing national commitment to institutionalizing routine annual vaccination as a critical public health strategy for rabies prevention. Furthermore, neutering stations were established in selected locations to strengthen responsible dog population management, which remains a fundamental component of sustainable and long-term rabies control initiatives.
Tanzania mass dog vaccination campaign. Picture © Tanzania team (2025)
Public education was a core component of Tanzania’s 2025 World Rabies Week initiatives, designed to strengthen community awareness and promote positive attitudes toward rabies prevention.
Key achievements:
A total of 1,678 leaflets, accompanied by posters and flyers, were disseminated across multiple communities, offices, and public spaces. These materials effectively disseminated critical messages regarding dog management, bite prevention, and the necessity of seeking timely medical care following exposure.
Education and outreach initiatives were expanded to learning institutions, reaching 502 schools nationwide. In total, 203,277 students and 4,831 teachers received targeted training on rabies transmission, prevention, and responsible dog ownership. These efforts are pivotal in cultivating sustained behavioural change and safeguarding future generations.
The active engagement of political leaders proved pivotal in mobilising communities across Tanzania. Their participation in launching vaccination campaigns in multiple districts increased visibility, built public trust, and drove higher community turnout. Complementing these efforts, a WOAH-produced podcast aired during World Rabies Week broadened awareness and extended the campaign’s reach to diverse audiences. Through strategic partnerships and sustained community involvement, Tanzania continues to advance steadily toward the global goal of achieving zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies.
