Lilongwe rabies vaccination campaign nears target

Lilongwe Society for the Protection and Care of Animals (LSPCA) has vaccinated 32 000 cats and dogs during its anti-rabies vaccination campaign in the capital city.

The figure means the month-long campaign, which started early last month,  is close to achieving its target of vaccinating 37 000 pets.

Speaking in an interview after inspecting vaccination sites in Chilinde and Area 23 townships, rabies vaccination campaign project coordinator Edison Chiweta was optimistic that they would achieve the target.

“The turnout has been impressive and we hope to meet the target or even surpass it,” he said ahead of the campaign closure next Thursday.

Scarcity of rabies vaccine has been a major concern in the country as it has led to deaths of people bitten by rabied dogs or cats.

Chiweta said vaccinating pets is cheaper than treating rabies.

One dog owner, Vitalis Kasawe, a Kawale II resident, hailed the vaccination as crucial in the fight against rabies.

“Every time the anti-rabies vaccination is carried out, I ensure that my dogs are vaccinated. It makes me and my family feel safe,” he said.