PRESS RELEASE: World Rabies Day 2025: Rabies Centers of Excellence collaborate to strengthen rabies elimination efforts
Cape Town, 17 September 2025 — Every year on 28 September, the world remembers rabies victims on World Rabies Day. This year’s theme “Act Now: You, Me, Community” is a call to action for individuals, leaders, and communities to eliminate rabies and save lives. In South Africa, FOUR PAWS has partnered with GARC to introduce South African animal welfare organizations to the Rabies Centers of Excellence (RCEs) initiative. This initiative aims to recognize and support local animal welfare organizations that meet global standards for rabies elimination and community engagement.
In June, FOUR PAWS and GARC hosted a dedicated RCE webinar to provide South African animal welfare organizations with information on:
- Best practices for rabies vaccination campaigns.
- Community engagement strategies to reduce dog-mediated rabies.
- Data collection and reporting aligned with international standards.
- Access to global expertise and mentorship through GARC’s network.
South Africa has a strong local commitment to rabies elimination with several representatives joining from multiple animal welfare groups. More than 60 national organizations were invited to the interactive session, featuring a Q&A session and practical guidance on how to become a recognized RCE. The webinar also included a live Q&A session and practical guidance on as the process of becoming an RCE.
“This webinar was an important step in empowering South African animal welfare organizations with the tools and knowledge they need to eliminate rabies in their communities,” said Dr André Coetzer, CEO at GARC. “By building RCEs locally, we can ensure that vaccination campaigns are effective, data-driven, and reach every corner of our communities.”
The RCE Initiative: A Local Hub with Global Reach
RCEs in South Africa gain access to:
- GARC’s global network for knowledge exchange and collaboration.
- Educational resources adapted to local languages and communities.
- Digital surveillance tools for real-time data on rabies vaccination coverage.
- Funding opportunities and international visibility.
Rabies remains nearly 100% fatal once symptoms appear but it is also 100% preventable. In South Africa, coordinated efforts through RCEs can significantly reduce risk and save lives. “Rabies elimination is a community effort, and the RCE initiative gives local organizations the recognition, training, and tools they need to protect both animals and people,” said Fiona Miles, Director of FOUR PAWS South Africa. “World Rabies Day is a reminder that each of us has a role to play, whether vaccinating a pet, educating neighbors, or supporting local welfare groups. Together we can end rabies in South Africa.”
What You Can Do
- Register your organization as an RCE: Click here.
- Participate in local vaccination drives and community education.
- Spread awareness on social media using #WorldRabiesDay #WRD2025 #ActNow #EndRabiesTogether #OneHealth #YouMeCommunity
For more information, please visit the Four Paws website at www.four-paws.org.za
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