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Uniting Communities to Combat Rabies: Key Steps for Professionals

Update A Coordinated Call to Action: Communities Against Rabies As we approach World Rabies Day 2025, a clarion call resonates globally from the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC) and renowned animal welfare charity Battersea. Both organizations urge local communities to unite in efforts to eradicate rabies through their latest initiative, 'Communities Against Rabies' (CAR). This year’s theme, 'Act Now: You, Me, Community,' emphasizes the urgent need for grassroots mobilization in the elimination of this preventable but deadly disease, which affects not only animals but human lives in over 150 countries. Highlighting a Preventable Threat Despite rabies being entirely preventable through vaccination, it remains a looming threat due to various systemic barriers that hinder effective public health measures. According to GARC, many rabies-endemic regions face substantial challenges, including insufficient trained personnel, gaps in vital data collection, and a lack of coordinated local efforts. Each of these obstacles can lead to prohibited losses of life and strips communities of their beloved pets. Pioneering new strategies such as CAR could bridge critical gaps in awareness and action. Canada's Stake and Global Participation This grassroots approach recognizes that local actors are best positioned to effect meaningful change. What does community involvement look like? The CAR initiative equips various stakeholders—governments, organizations, and individuals—with the training and resources necessary to lead local rabies vaccination campaigns. With over a million human fatalities attributed to rabies each year, Canada and other nations must not only partner in these initiatives but also advocate for more inclusive global participation. Understanding the Core Pillars of CAR Communities Against Rabies is driven by three pivotal pillars: Empowering Individuals: The GARC Education Platform offers free, online training to certify local advocates as Dog Health Champions (DHCs), enabling them to lead rabies elimination efforts in their communities. Supporting Local Organizations: Eligible organizations gain designation as a GARC Rabies Center of Excellence (RCE), providing access to resources such as vaccines and digital tools, helping promote local visibility and operational success. Building Collaboration: CAR actively promotes a network where stakeholders can share information and strategies, ultimately preventing redundant efforts and creating more efficient rabies control measures. A Global Perspective on Rabies Control The canine rabies epidemic is not solely a public health matter; it extends into realms of social equity and economic viability. The persistence of rabies in underserved areas further exacerbates existing inequalities, particularly in rural and low-income urban settings. A 2020 study points to the connection between public health responses and socioeconomic factors, underscoring that without rabies management, broader demographic challenges remain. This interconnectedness highlights the urgency for countries, including Canada, to adopt a multifaceted approach in addressing rabies within their socio-economic frameworks. Putting Community Health on the Agenda Now more than ever, the CAR initiative offers a structured approach to address rabies effectively, bringing it to the forefront of public health discourse. Stakeholders underscored the significance of being recognized as Dog Health Champions while taking action, as noted by Abdu from Ethiopia, who shared that this recognition not only enhanced trust but also uplifted their community's commitment to dog welfare. Similar testimonials from around the globe validate the transformative effect that GARC’s initiatives are having on local health efforts. Looking Ahead: Opportunities for Involvement Professionals in animal welfare, public health, and community leadership can take part in this vital dialogue and action plan. By engaging directly with local governments and organizations, they can help ensure that community health priorities align with rabies prevention strategies. With GARC and Battersea leading the charge, there are immense opportunities for professionals to contribute to this cause, advocating for effective policies that not only address rabies but enhance overall community health resilience. Advocacy and participation in initiatives like CAR can't be postponed. As global citizens, we each carry the burden of ensuring future generations live free from the threat of rabies, a disease entirely preventable through collective action. Join hands, spread the word, and take part in the global fight against rabies.