Rabies vaccination campaign has started on a high note in Blantyre with 2, 900 dogs being vaccinated on the first day of the campaign in Blantyre.
Mission Rabies, a project of World Veterinary Services (WVS) is set to vaccinate 25, 000 to 35 000 in this year’s campaign which will run for 5 weekends.
Speaking in an interview with the press Mission Rabies Data Collector Evance Master stationed at Mibawa CCAP Clinic in Mbayani Township expressed satisfaction with how the exercise has started this year.
“To be honest the exercise has started well despite few hiccups here and there but people are coming with their dogs.This is a clear sign that people now understand the importance of having their dogs vaccinated,” said Master.
He went on to urged some Malawians who are keeping dogs in Blantyre to come out in large numbers with their dogs and patronize various clinic set by Mission Rabies in their respective areas.
“The vaccination exercise is free and lets all come with our dogs to be vaccinated,” he added.
Speaking prior to the commencement of the exercise Mission Rabies Country Director Inga MacDermort said the exercise has been organized with an aim of protecting dogs from rabies.
“Rabies can be prevented and our message to dog owners is please bring your dogs to the vaccination clinics. The vaccines are free of charge. Your dogs must be vaccinated to keep them protected and to protect your community,” said McDermort.
Mission Rabies is scheduled to carry out the vaccination exercise in 11 districts namely; Blantyre, Chiradzulu, Chikwawa, Nsanje, Mwanza, Neno, Zomba, Thyolo, Balaka, Mulanje and Phalombe.
Mission Rabies has been actively engaged in the vaccination of dogs since 2015.
