Zambia
Tackling rabies in Zambia as part of the International Rabies Taskforce
Project overview
Since 2021, we have provided practical expertise, resources, and guidance to the Zambian Government to support their national rabies elimination programme.
This project was delivered by the International Rabies Taskforce (IRT) which provides practical One Health expertise, resources, and guidance to support governments in planning and implementing rabies elimination strategies.
Work began in Zambia following an outbreak of rabies in an African wild dog population – one of the world’s most endangered mammals.
A campaign was established to vaccinate domestic dogs to reduce the risk of transmission to vulnerable wildlife and surrounding communities, alongside visiting primary schools to deliver rabies prevention lessons.
Following the success of the project in 2021, this was continued in 2022 with vaccination campaigns, public engagement activities, and educational sessions.
Key stats
- 29,885 dogs vaccinated in Zambia to date
- 29,035 children educated in Zambia to date
- 603 teachers trained in Zambia to date
Project partners
- Zambian Government
- Game Rangers International
- MSD Animal Health
- Centre for Disease Control and Prevention
