The GARC approach: Science-led technical support to eliminate rabies for everyone

GARC provides science-led technical support to governments in rabies-endemic regions to empower governments and communities to eliminate rabies. Since 2007, our systematic approach has developed to go beyond rabies awareness and advocacy. Get to know us – more about GARC here.

At GARC, we believe in building capacity through evidence-based tools and training. We drive sustainable rabies elimination in more than 35 countries. Our focus is on building and strengthening capacity, tailoring our services to national needs. 

SARE workshops for customized support

We typically start our collaboration with governments by facilitating a SARE (Stepwise Approach towards Rabies Elimination) workshop. The SARE workshop helps governments to identify priorities related to rabies elimination and create targeted action plans according to the country’s specific needs. Since 2015, GARC has facilitated SARE workshops in more than 35 countries.

GARC’s advanced tools for rabies elimination

In addition to the SARE workshop, we also provide training and technical support:

  • RAIDER protocol: GARC supports stakeholders to implement lateral flow tests to improve their existing rabies surveillance networks.
  • Rapid Response Toolkit: GARC trains stakeholders to effectively apply the toolkit for Integrated Bite Case Management across sectors.
  • GARC Data Platform: Stakeholders can use the various tools on the Platform to collect, analyse and visualize real-time rabies surveillance and vaccination data. 

Supported by international aid agencies, national governments as well as multilateral agencies such the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization, the GARC tools promote capacity building to increase awareness for the importance of dog vaccinations, aligning with Zero by 30 goals.  

GARC’s unique technical support

Unlike organizations that lead direct dog vaccination campaigns, GARC empowers governments, local communities and individual stakeholders with science-led training, tools and resources for sustainable rabies elimination. Our focus is on building capacity that ensures long-term impact.

GARC’s technical support in action

Case Study: Nigeria

During the COVID-19 pandemic, GARC supported the Federal Government of Nigeria by facilitating a virtual SARE workshop. This collaborative effort brought together various stakeholders to create a unified rabies elimination workplan. The stakeholders included the health and agriculture sectors, as well as other key stakeholders like national officials.

After the conclusion of the workshop, GARC identified the development of a Rapid Response Toolkit for effective rabies surveillance as a top priority. To enable a coordinated One Health response, this practical guide outlined:

  • stakeholder roles, 
  • reporting pathways, and 
  • communication protocols.

In 2024, GARC worked with the Nigerian authorities to develop the toolkit, helping stakeholders to effectively include rabies elimination tasks as part of their daily focus activities. This work was supported by UKAID, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and the WHO Country Office for Nigeria.