Uganda Urges Mass Pet Vaccination as Rabies Threat Grows Ahead of World Rabies Day

By Jumah Kakomo
As the world commemorates World Rabies Day, the Government of Uganda is urging citizens to vaccinate their dogs and cats to help curb the spread of rabies across the country.

World Rabies Day, observed every 28th September, marks the anniversary of Louis Pasteur’s death, the pioneer behind the first rabies vaccine. Coordinated globally by the Global Alliance for Rabies Control, the day is meant to raise awareness about rabies prevention and control. In Uganda, this year’s commemoration is being held in Wakiso District, running from 24th to 27th September.

Rabies is a preventable but almost always fatal viral disease. It affects both domestic and wild animals and is transmitted to humans primarily through the bites or scratches of infected animals, particularly dogs. Despite the existence of effective vaccines and post-exposure treatments, rabies continues to claim thousands of lives globally.

According to Hon. Lt. Col. (Rtd) Bright Rwamirama, Uganda’s State Minister for Animal Industry, rabies-related deaths are rising, particularly in Africa and Asia, due to low dog vaccination rates and limited access to treatment. He highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that global efforts such as the World Health Organization’s (WHO) “Zero by 30” initiative which aims to eliminate human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030 — may fall short without intensified global and local action.

“The rise in rabies-related deaths is alarming. We must strengthen our vaccination efforts and improve public education,” Rwamirama said.

Globally, the WHO estimates that rabies causes around 59,000 human deaths annually, but due to underreporting, some models suggest this number could be as high as 74,000.

In response, the Ugandan government has launched free mass vaccination campaigns for pets in several regions. Minister Rwamirama appealed to pet owners to take advantage of these services and to embrace responsible pet ownership.

“I urge the public to take their dogs and cats for vaccination and castration to prevent them from roaming. I also encourage people not to litter food everywhere, as this attracts stray animals and increases the risk of rabies spread,” he said.

The campaign not only aims to protect human health but also to ensure the welfare of pets and maintain safer, healthier communities.