World Rabies Day organised by the Veterinary Association of Zambia was observed by a walk, a National broadcast cast launch by the Minister of livestock and fisheries, and free rabies vaccinations at 5 vet clinics.
The walk took place on the 25th, in Lusaka, the capital city of Zambia, Led by the Veterinary Association President, Dr Alfred Mwanza, from Manda hill, the most famous shopping complex to the University of Zambia Veterinary School which is about 4.5 km. It was attended by mainly veterinary students. Others were veterinary lecturers, private vets and government workers. The route taken is one of the busiest roads in Lusaka so as to reach out to many people. Leaflets about rabies prevention and control were distributed along the way to motorists and people on public buses. The march was sponsored by zam-beef, vet-serve clinic, vetali vet and National milling companies.
The Minister of livestock and fisheries launched the event by giving a speech on national television, which is broadcast in the 9 provinces of Zambia.
Free rabies vaccinations were carried out on the Monday 28th at 5 different veterinary clinics. The rabies vaccines were procured by the Veterinary Association. The clinics targeted were those based in high density areas including the University Vet clinic which has two high density areas nearby. There was an overwhelming response as a lot of people, especially children turned up with their pets as early as 07:00 hrs on the day. About 600 dogs were vaccinated. The pictures were taken from the university of Zambia vet clinic. We hope to have a larger campaign next year as this year was the first doe under world rabies day.
