Rabies remains a significant public health threat in Tanzania, causing an estimated 1,500 human deaths annually, with the majority of victims being children. The disease is almost entirely transmitted through dog bites, and most cases occur in areas with low access to veterinary care and limited public awareness.

Free-roaming and stray animals play a central role in rabies transmission. In many rural and peri-urban communities, dogs and cats live semi-independently or without clear ownership, making routine vaccination particularly challenging. Without intervention, these populations become reservoirs for the disease.

Despite being 100% preventable, rabies persists due to gaps in vaccination coverage, lack of funding, and weak veterinary infrastructure.

This campaign is designed to reach both domestic and unowned animals, particularly in underserved rural and peri-urban areas. Working with local veterinary students and professionals, our mobile vaccination teams will:

• Vaccinate at least 100 animals, including both pets and stray dogs and cats
• Use catch-and-release strategies where necessary to reach free-roaming animals
• Distribute vaccination cards to pet owners
• Educate the public about rabies prevention, responsible animal care, and zoonotic disease risks
• Collaborate with local leaders and schools to embed awareness and encourage sustained behavioral change

This approach supports Tanzania’s commitment to the “Zero by 30” global strategy to eliminate human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030 and aligns with the One Health model, integrating human, animal, and environmental health efforts.

Reaching unvaccinated animal populations — particularly strays and semi-owned animals — is essential to breaking the rabies transmission cycle. This campaign removes cost and access barriers for pet owners while addressing the urgent need to include roaming animals that are otherwise neglected by most health initiatives. In doing so, the campaign:

• Protects vulnerable communities, especially children
• Enhances animal welfare and reduces fear-based abuse of stray animals
• Provides training opportunities for local veterinary students and promotes sustainable practices

The campaign has a modest total budget of 1 736 000 Tsh (628 EUR), which covers:

• Rabies vaccines and vaccination materials
• Syringes, gloves, disinfectants
• Catching equipment for stray animals
• Fuel and transportation
• Printing of vaccination cards and outreach materials

You can view our detailed itemized budget here:

Budget

We are now calling on individuals and organizations to support this campaign through:

• Monetary donations: Every contribution helps us reach more animals and communities Donate
• Material donations: Syringes, gloves, muzzles, cooling containers, and other veterinary supplies are welcome Send us an email to contact@vfaw-ngo.org
• Sponsorship or partnership inquiries: We are open to collaborations that strengthen the campaign’s impact Send us an email to contact@vfaw-ngo.org

• Hampson K. et al. (2015). Estimating the global burden of endemic canine rabies. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 9(4): e0003709.
• Sambo M. et al. (2013). The burden of rabies in Tanzania and its impact on local communities. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 7(11): e2510.
• World Health Organization. (2018). Zero by 30: The Global Strategic Plan to end human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030.
• Lembo T. et al. (2010). The feasibility of canine rabies elimination in Africa: dispelling doubts with data. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 4(2): e626.