The 18th World Rabies Day (WRD) celebrations, jointly organized by the Kenya Veterinary Association (KVA) and the Kenya Medical Association (KMA), took place Diani, Kwale County from September 26th to 28th, 2024. The event marked a significant step in Kenya’s ongoing efforts to combat rabies, aligning with the global goal of eliminating human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030. Under the theme “Breaking Rabies Boundaries,” the three-day event featured a conference, field day activities, and a medical camp, drawing participants from various sectors, including veterinary and medical professionals, government officials, and the local community.
The Conference: A Platform for Knowledge Sharing
The celebrations commenced with a two-day conference at Wairiara Conference Centre, Jacaranda Hotel, from September 26th to 27th. The conference brought together over 170 participants each day, with 21 scientific papers presented, addressing various aspects of rabies control and prevention. Keynote speakers highlighted the latest advancements in rabies surveillance and control strategies. The event was officially opened by Dr. Allan Azegele, the acting Director of Veterinary Services (DVS), with support from representatives of the Kenya National Technical Committee on Rabies (KENTEC), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH).
The conference aimed to foster collaboration and share best practices among medical and veterinary professionals. The event was also streamed live, attracting online participants, while partners and exhibitors showcased products related to animal health, enhancing the learning experience for attendees.
During the conference, veterinarians and other frontline animal health workers received pre-exposure rabies vaccination which was facilitated by the National Vaccinations and Immunization Projected under the Ministry of Health during the health breaks with subsequent follow-up booster shots to be availed at the National KVA Offices and counties headquarters as required.
Field Day and Medical Camp: Community Outreach and Animal Health
The WRD field day and medical camp were held on September 28th, with the main activities centered at Mvindeni Grounds and Mvindeni Dispensary. Various satellite sites across Ukunda, including the Showground, Kilolapwa, and Mkwakwani dispensaries, offered veterinary services such as rabies vaccinations, deworming, spaying, neutering, and general pet treatment. A total of 438 dogs and 122 cats received rabies vaccinations, while 45 animals underwent surgical procedures.
The medical camp provided vital health services to the community, including malaria and typhoid testing, HIV and cancer screenings, family planning, and children’s deworming. Additionally, educational sessions on disease prevention and eye checkups were conducted. The turnout was substantial, reflecting the effectiveness of pre-event mobilization efforts, which included visits to schools, local barazas, and announcements made by an advance team.
Conclusion
The 18th World Rabies Day celebrations in Kwale County marked a significant step towards rabies elimination in Kenya. By combining public education, veterinary services, and medical outreach, the event highlighted the importance of a One Health approach in addressing zoonotic diseases. With continued efforts and improved strategies, Kenya is poised to make substantial progress towards the global “Zero by 30” target.
By Dr. N.K Lang’at,
National Executive Committee Member,
Kenya Veterinary Association