Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare-Herald Correspondent
ZIMBABWE has received 100 000 doses of rabies vaccine from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), in a major boost to the country’s efforts to combat the deadly disease.
The donation, handed over on Wednesday in Harare by WOAH Sub-Regional Representative for Southern Africa, Dr Moetapele Letshwenyo, comes as Government targets stockpiling 600 000 doses nationwide.
Current stocks stand at 256 000 doses.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development attended the ceremony.
Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Minister of Lands, Davis Marapira hailed the donation as a timely boost to Zimbabwe’s rabies control efforts.
“This generous donation from WOAH comes at a critical moment for Zimbabwe’s public and animal health sectors,” he said.
“With these vaccines, we will be able to ramp up our vaccination campaigns, protecting communities and livestock across the country.”
The Deputy Minister said the vaccines will be distributed nationwide, with high-risk districts a priority.
They will support mass dog vaccination campaigns as well as targeted immunisation of stray dogs.
Coordination with veterinary services and community health workers will ensure the vaccines are stored and transported under strict cold-chain requirements until administration, he added.
Dr Letshwenyo praised Zimbabwe for its effective use of past donations, noting that the 110 000 doses provided by WOAH in 2019 were efficiently deployed.
“Zimbabwe has shown exemplary commitment in utilising the 110 000 rabies vaccines we provided in 2019, ensuring they reached communities in need and helped curb the spread of this deadly disease,” he said.
“As a fully-subscribed member of WOAH, Zimbabwe demonstrates the benefits of strong veterinary governance and adherence to international standards.
“We look forward to continued engagement with Zimbabwe, strengthening our partnership to safeguard both animal and human health across the region.”
Rabies remains a serious public health concern in Zimbabwe, with domestic dogs responsible for most human infections.
Authorities say expanded vaccination coverage is critical to reducing transmission and protecting lives.
