Since 2022, Madagascar has been at the heart of rabies vaccination campaigns carried out as part of the Indian Ocean Commission’s (IOC) SEGA – One Health Network. As part of this initiative, 60,296 dogs and cats have been vaccinated in various parts of the country.
The aim? To protect human and animal life.
Why vaccinate?
Vaccination is an essential shield against rabies. This viral disease, which is fatal once symptoms appear, can be effectively controlled by vaccination.
How do we do it? By immunizing the main vectors, i.e. dogs and cats.
In this way, mass vaccination, coupled with increased awareness-raising among local communities, can reduce the risk of transmission.
What can we learn from these vaccination campaigns?
Several campaigns have been carried out. The largest was held in 2022 in three districts. Over 50,000 dogs and cats were vaccinated.This was followed by campaigns in Nosy Be and Sainte Marie.
* Data at 31.07.2024
August 2024: start of a second vaccination campaign in Arivonimamo
In early August 2024, a new rabies vaccination campaign began in the Arivonimamo district. Objective: vaccinate 11,000 dogs and cats. 115 health workers were trained in advance of the vaccination campaign.
Why this support from the SEGA – One Health network?
Since 2016, the IOC’s SEGA – One Health network has been supporting Madagascar in the elimination of rabies. And this is in line with the global objectives set for this disease. These objectives “Zero by 30” have been defined by:
- World Health Organization
- World Organization for Animal Health
- FAO
- Global Alliance for Rabies Control
These vaccination campaigns are made possible thanks to support from the Agence Française de Développement and the European Union and in local collaboration with Madagascar’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock and the Ministry of Public Health.
