Boehringer Ingelheim has teamed up with AWARE Germany e.V. and AWARE Trust Zimbabwe to implement a rabies control initiative in Tsholotsho District, one of Zimbabwe's most remote and economically disadvantaged areas. This collaboration aims to significantly reduce rabies cases, which are primarily linked to infected dogs, by vaccinating around 15,000 dogs annually and covering over 90 percent of the local dog population.
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The program, part of Boehringer Ingelheim's global Stop Rabies initiative, will provide free sterilization for at least 1,200 dogs each year. This humane management of dog populations is essential for maintaining high vaccination rates over time and enhancing animal welfare. The project is driven by veterinarians focused on a One Health approach, which integrates animal health, community well-being, and wildlife conservation efforts.
Martin Kessler, Chair of AWARE Germany, highlighted the importance of consistent vaccination and community involvement in reducing rabies prevalence. The partnership aims not only to provide immediate assistance but also to strengthen local veterinary services for sustained community protection.
In addition to vaccination efforts, AWARE will expand its PAWS Clubs (Promoting Animal Welfare Clubs) in schools. Approximately 170 teachers across 85 schools will be trained to educate students on rabies prevention, safe behaviors around dogs, and responsible animal care—reaching over 50,000 students. Such education is particularly vital, as children are at higher risk for dog bites.
Thaïs Vila, Global Program Lead for Stop Rabies at Boehringer Ingelheim, underlined the urgency of this initiative, emphasizing that no one should die from a preventable disease. The Tsholotsho project seeks to establish a sustainable model blending vaccination, education, and community engagement that other at-risk regions could replicate.
This effort underscores the role of veterinary medicine in public health, as every dog vaccinated in Tsholotsho translates to decreased risk of rabies for humans. The initiative aligns with the observance of World Rabies Day on September 28, a day dedicated to highlighting the ongoing fight against this preventable disease.