Mission Rabies says it has set aside K70 million for dog vaccination campaign in Thyolo to prevent rabies in the district.
The organisation’s operations coordinator Lawrence Matiasi said the 12-week exercise will roll out on March 30 2026.
a dog. | Nation
“We are delighted that we vaccinated about 23 000 dogs in 2024 and this year, we are targeting at least 70 percent of the 37 110 dogs and other domestic animals such as cats,” he said.
Thyolo district chief agriculture officer Prince Shaibu expressed hope that the initiative will ease pressure on health facilities that struggle to provide rabies treatment.
He said: “Government alone cannot manage to provide all the necessary medication and preventive vaccines. Having partners such as Mission Rabies will help reduce possible rabies cases.
“With such intervention, we are happy to report that Thyolo has registered only one rabies-related death.”
Shaibu also acknowledged support from stakeholders such as the Malawi Milk Producers Association, Care Malawi and community-based organisations for assisting in mobilising communities to bring their dogs for vaccination.
Malawi Milk Producers Association field officer Loyce Nundwe said the campaign will indirectly protect livestock.
“Dogs can bite cattle. When they are protected from rabies, our cattle will be safe, helping dairy farmers maximise their profits,” she said.
Nundwe urged farmers and the public to take advantage of the campaign and bring their dogs for vaccination to prevent rabies.
The vaccination will also take place in public places such as markets, hospitals and schools.
Mission Rabies has expanded its operations to all districts in southern and central Malawi.
John Ngulinga, a Thyolo Boma resident, said he will take his pet for vaccination to prevent rabies.
The K70 million budget for this year’s vaccination exercise will, among others, cater for the purchase of vaccines.
