Mozambique
Rabies causes more than 1,300 human deaths every year in Mozambique, although most outbreaks are underreported, and epidemiological data is scarce.
The reality is that the actual number of human deaths in the country could be significantly higher. Not only is rabies a significant public health risk in Mozambique, but it is also a great economic burden.
The cost of a single dose of rabies vaccine is 3,800 Meticals, which is the equivalent of 50GBP. A full course of post-exposure vaccines equates to approximately 250GBP, which the vast majority of people simply cannot afford.
In addition to this, rabies has a major impact on Mozambique’s farming community through the loss of livestock.
In 2021, we formed a partnership with the local government and Eduardo Mondlane University to conduct a proof-of-concept vaccination campaign in the Massingir district. The campaign was a great success, and even with the low population density of many villages, the team vaccinated just under 2,000 dogs in 5 days.
The following year, we returned to Gaza province but piloted a vaccination campaign in Chókwè, which is around 230km north of Mozambique’s capital Maputo.
During 2023, 2,500 dogs were vaccinated, and our education programme launched in the country, teaching over 41,000 children about rabies prevention across Chókwè and Limpopo districts. The next vaccination campaign will be in the Guija District in 2024.
Key stats
- 11,747 dogs vaccinated in Mozambique to date
- 80,619 children educated in Mozambique to date
- 1,325 teachers trained in Mozambique to date
Project partners
- Eduardo Mondlane University
- The Faculty of Veterinary Science
- Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
- Ministry of Education and Human Development
- Chókwe District Government
- Provincial Directorate of Education and Human Development
- Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Fisheries
- District Services for Economic Activities
- District Services for Education, Youth and Technology
