Event Summary: World Rabies Day in Tanzania – September 28th, 2024
On September 28th, Tanzania celebrated the 18th World Rabies Day under the theme "Breaking Rabies Boundaries," which emphasized the importance of One Health for everyone. The event, spearheaded by the Prime Minister's Office (Policy, Parliament, and Coordination) in partnership with the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs and the USAID Breakthrough ACTION project, marked a significant step toward ending rabies in Tanzania. The Holela Holela Itakukosti campaign, which focuses on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and Priority Zoonotic Diseases, including rabies, was at the heart of the celebration.
Tanzania Health Awake (THA) played a pivotal role in the event, successfully utilizing Communication for Social Behavior Change (CSBC) to raise public awareness. The campaign promoted mass dog vaccinations, community education on rabies prevention, and timely care for those exposed to the disease. These efforts have already started breaking the cycle of rabies transmission, showcasing the power of collective action.
The day also featured community outreach events, interactive sessions, and vaccination drives that saw widespread participation. Thanks to the campaign's efforts, Tanzania has made a tangible stride toward a rabies-free future, with the vision of ensuring that the benefits of One Health reach every corner of the nation.
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