Namibia can defeat rabies – but only if we work together
OPINION
Rabies is one of the world’s most fatal yet entirely preventable diseases. Despite scientific advancements and public health awareness campaigns, rabies still claims the lives of more than 59 000 people globally each year – one death every nine minutes.
Tragically, nearly 40% of these victims are children under the age of 15, and the majority of these cases occur in Africa and Asia, where access to life-saving vaccines and awareness about the disease remain low.
Namibia is not exempt. Rabies remains endemic in several regions of our country, particularly in the northern communal areas (NCAs), where human deaths are reported every year. The situation affects not only people but also livestock and wildlife, leading to economic losses and threats to biodiversity.
Yet, this is not a hopeless situation. Rabies is 100% preventable – if we act.
The primary source of rabies transmission to humans is domestic dogs, accounting for 99% of cases. This means that by vaccinating dogs and ensuring that anyone who has been bitten or scratched receives immediate medical care, we can eliminate dog-mediated human rabies entirely.
Namibia has a plan – and it’s working
In 2015, the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Social Services, the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, and other key stakeholders, launched the national rabies control strategy, aiming to eliminate dog-mediated human rabies in Namibia by 2030. Since its implementation in 2016, we have made encouraging progress.
In 2024 alone, over 157 530 dogs were vaccinated in the northern communal areas – 61% of the estimated dog population there.
South of the veterinary cordon fence, another 36 643 dogs received their shots, again representing 61% coverage. While we have not yet reached the scientifically recommended 70% coverage needed to break the rabies transmission cycle, this is the highest number of vaccinations since the strategy’s launch. It is proof that with continued commitment, we are moving in the right direction.
The collaboration of stakeholders – such as the Veterinary Association of Namibia, Cheetah Conservation Fund and Have-a-Heart Namibia – has been instrumental. Together, through the One Health approach, we are working across sectors and communities to reach the remotest corners of our country.
Rabies cases are declining – but not everywhere
The results speak for themselves. We’ve seen significant reductions in rabies cases in regions such as Oshana, Oshikoto, Omusati, Ohangwena and Kavango West – areas that once recorded high numbers of rabies in both dogs and livestock. However, challenges remain in regions like Kavango East, Kunene and Zambezi, where lower vaccination coverage has allowed the virus to persist.
This uneven progress highlights a simple truth: our success depends on national unity and local action.
Awareness is just as critical as vaccination
In 2024, the rabies elimination project reached more than 30 584 schoolchildren across 88 schools in the NCAs with educational outreach. Public awareness was further boosted during World Rabies Day events in several regions.
We also engaged over 450 traditional leaders, whose voices are vital in influencing community practices and encouraging vaccination.
Still, misconceptions linger. Some community members still believe rabies can be treated through traditional means – a dangerous myth.
Once clinical symptoms appear in a person or animal, rabies is 100% fatal. There is no cure – only a horrible death. That’s why immediate medical attention following a bite or scratch is essential, even if the wound seems minor.
What we must do now
Rabies vaccines are available – for free – at all government veterinary clinics. But many pet owners remain reluctant to bring their dogs or cats for vaccination due to cultural beliefs, lack of transport or simple unawareness. That needs to change.
If you own a pet, ensure it is vaccinated and that its vaccination record is up to date. If you live far from a veterinary clinic, take advantage of mobile vaccination points during school holidays or annual livestock vaccination campaigns at crush pens.
Community leaders can take the initiative to request mobile vaccination teams in their areas. And we all have a role to play in reporting animals showing signs of rabies – unusual aggression, excessive salivation, paralysis or abnormal behaviour – so they can be investigated and dealt with appropriately.
A future without rabies is possible
Namibia has set an ambitious but achievable goal: zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030. We have the tools, the knowledge and the partnerships. Now, we need the collective will of every citizen to make it a reality.
Let’s not wait until another child is lost to this preventable disease. Vaccinate your pets. Educate your neighbours. Report suspected rabid animals. Seek medical help after a bite. Together, we can save lives – human and animal alike.
*Dr Reinhold Haimbodi is a national coordinator at the One Health Approach for Rabies and Transboundary Animal Diseases, Directorate of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform.
Tragically, nearly 40% of these victims are children under the age of 15, and the majority of these cases occur in Africa and Asia, where access to life-saving vaccines and awareness about the disease remain low.
Namibia is not exempt. Rabies remains endemic in several regions of our country, particularly in the northern communal areas (NCAs), where human deaths are reported every year. The situation affects not only people but also livestock and wildlife, leading to economic losses and threats to biodiversity.
Yet, this is not a hopeless situation. Rabies is 100% preventable – if we act.
The primary source of rabies transmission to humans is domestic dogs, accounting for 99% of cases. This means that by vaccinating dogs and ensuring that anyone who has been bitten or scratched receives immediate medical care, we can eliminate dog-mediated human rabies entirely.
Namibia has a plan – and it’s working
In 2015, the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Social Services, the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, and other key stakeholders, launched the national rabies control strategy, aiming to eliminate dog-mediated human rabies in Namibia by 2030. Since its implementation in 2016, we have made encouraging progress.
In 2024 alone, over 157 530 dogs were vaccinated in the northern communal areas – 61% of the estimated dog population there.
South of the veterinary cordon fence, another 36 643 dogs received their shots, again representing 61% coverage. While we have not yet reached the scientifically recommended 70% coverage needed to break the rabies transmission cycle, this is the highest number of vaccinations since the strategy’s launch. It is proof that with continued commitment, we are moving in the right direction.
The collaboration of stakeholders – such as the Veterinary Association of Namibia, Cheetah Conservation Fund and Have-a-Heart Namibia – has been instrumental. Together, through the One Health approach, we are working across sectors and communities to reach the remotest corners of our country.
Rabies cases are declining – but not everywhere
The results speak for themselves. We’ve seen significant reductions in rabies cases in regions such as Oshana, Oshikoto, Omusati, Ohangwena and Kavango West – areas that once recorded high numbers of rabies in both dogs and livestock. However, challenges remain in regions like Kavango East, Kunene and Zambezi, where lower vaccination coverage has allowed the virus to persist.
This uneven progress highlights a simple truth: our success depends on national unity and local action.
Awareness is just as critical as vaccination
In 2024, the rabies elimination project reached more than 30 584 schoolchildren across 88 schools in the NCAs with educational outreach. Public awareness was further boosted during World Rabies Day events in several regions.
We also engaged over 450 traditional leaders, whose voices are vital in influencing community practices and encouraging vaccination.
Still, misconceptions linger. Some community members still believe rabies can be treated through traditional means – a dangerous myth.
Once clinical symptoms appear in a person or animal, rabies is 100% fatal. There is no cure – only a horrible death. That’s why immediate medical attention following a bite or scratch is essential, even if the wound seems minor.
What we must do now
Rabies vaccines are available – for free – at all government veterinary clinics. But many pet owners remain reluctant to bring their dogs or cats for vaccination due to cultural beliefs, lack of transport or simple unawareness. That needs to change.
If you own a pet, ensure it is vaccinated and that its vaccination record is up to date. If you live far from a veterinary clinic, take advantage of mobile vaccination points during school holidays or annual livestock vaccination campaigns at crush pens.
Community leaders can take the initiative to request mobile vaccination teams in their areas. And we all have a role to play in reporting animals showing signs of rabies – unusual aggression, excessive salivation, paralysis or abnormal behaviour – so they can be investigated and dealt with appropriately.
A future without rabies is possible
Namibia has set an ambitious but achievable goal: zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030. We have the tools, the knowledge and the partnerships. Now, we need the collective will of every citizen to make it a reality.
Let’s not wait until another child is lost to this preventable disease. Vaccinate your pets. Educate your neighbours. Report suspected rabid animals. Seek medical help after a bite. Together, we can save lives – human and animal alike.
*Dr Reinhold Haimbodi is a national coordinator at the One Health Approach for Rabies and Transboundary Animal Diseases, Directorate of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform.
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