GARC’s October Featured Platform User: Amici Cannis, Ecuador
We are excited to introduce you to this month’s Featured Platform User, Amici Cannis in Ecuador. Amici Cannis is also our first Rabies Center of Excellence in South America. Their mission is to protect and improve the lives of animals in Cotacachi and surrounding indigenous villages. Their team provides high-quality veterinary services to stray dogs and cats, companion animals with owners, and those who cannot afford treatment. Amici Cannis operates with a model of sustainability that allows the organization to reinvest funds into caring for the street dogs and cats of Cotacachi.
Since 2023, Amici Cannis has used the GARC Data Platform to collect, visualize, and analyze education and awareness events in Cotacachi Canton, Ecuador. They have since:
- Educated 5,585 people, of which
- 316 are adults, and
- 5,269 are children.
We asked Alexandra Rothlisberger, Executive Director of Amici Cannis about how they use the GARC Data Platform and the benefits they have experienced since using it for their day-to-day operations.
Briefly explain what rabies-related work you do?
Our rabies elimination strategy combines door-to-door outreach with large-scale community vaccination campaigns to ensure no household is left behind. By bringing services directly to rural and indigenous communities, we reach vulnerable populations who will not be able to access veterinary care otherwise. These efforts not only increase vaccination coverage but also foster trust, education, and collective responsibility around rabies prevention.
How long have you used the GARC Data Platform?
We have been using the GARC Data Platform for approximately two years. It has been a valuable tool in helping us track our efforts and strengthen our rabies elimination efforts.
What benefits have the GARC Data Tools provided you?
The GARC Data Tools have been very useful. The interactive maps allow us to identify gaps and plan future initiatives with precision, especially in remote or underserved areas. Having access to clean, visualized data has also made our reporting to donors and funders far more compelling. We can
- clearly demonstrate impact,
- track progress toward goals, and
- justify resource allocation with confidence.
These tools have improved our internal decision-making, as well as enhanced transparency and trust with our partners and community stakeholders.
Which of the GARC Data Tools have been most beneficial to your work and why?
The GARC Education Initiative Tracker (EIT) has been one of the most beneficial tools for our rabies-related education efforts. It allows us to track and map our outreach activities. By being able to visualize the data, we can demonstrate the real impact of our sensitization work to community leaders and funders.
