Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare
ZIMBABWE has received a donation of 100 000 doses of rabies vaccines from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), reinforcing the country’s efforts to combat the deadly disease.
Currently, the Government has 256 000 doses in stock, with authorities targeting a total of 600 000 doses nationwide.
The vaccines were officially handed over on Wednesday in Harare by WOAH Sub-Regional Representative for Southern Africa, Dr Moetapele Letshwenyo, in the presence of senior officials from the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development.
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.”
Dr Letshwenyo commended Zimbabwe for its efficient use of vaccines previously donated by WOAH, noting that the country had maximised the impact of the 110 000 doses handed over in 2019.
“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 significant concern in Zimbabwe, with domestic dogs accounting for the majority of human infections.
Despite past efforts, vaccination coverage in some areas continues to fall short of the World Health Organisation’s recommended target of 70 percent dog vaccination to prevent outbreaks.
Deputy Minister Marapira said the new vaccines will be distributed nationwide, prioritising high-risk districts, and will support both mass dog vaccination drives and stray dog immunisation programmes.
Coordination with local veterinary authorities and community health workers will ensure cold-chain integrity is maintained until administration.
He further stressed the role of public awareness: “Complementing this vaccine supply with education and outreach will be vital to ensure that communities understand the importance of prompt vaccination—especially following animal bites.”
The donation comes amid broader national efforts to strengthen veterinary capacities and integrate rabies control into wider zoonotic disease management protocols, demonstrating the benefits of regional and international cooperation in addressing persistent public health challenges.
Online Reporter