The University of Namibia’s Katima Mulilo Campus saw its Diploma in Animal Health students taking part in a global campaign on 28 September 2023, marking their commitment to raise awareness about the deadly disease, rabies. This observance was championed under the theme: Rabies: “All for 1, One Health for All”.
Rabies is a lethal viral disease that infects warm-blooded mammals, including humans. While wild canines and bats are natural reservoirs, transmission typically occurs through contact with the infected body fluids, especially from bites or scratches. Infected animals might display symptoms like excessive salivation, aggression, altered behaviour, photophobia, hydrophobia, and indiscriminate biting. In humans, the symptoms manifest as hallucinations, sweating, headaches, culminating in fatality.
Given its severe implications, there is a pressing need for heightened awareness and proactive vaccination of cats and dogs. After all, rabies is a 100% preventable disease.
Mr Haufiku Desderius, a Senior Lecturer in the Public Health Department, emphasised the global objective of #ZeroDeathsby2030. “To inch closer to this goal, we need to spread awareness and ensure the vaccination of dogs and cats against rabies,” he said. In line with this, the Katima Mulilo Campus initiated a week-long awareness drive. Students, under lecturer supervision, engaged with the campus community and the public, enlightening them about rabies’ risks, transmission methods and preventive measures. They distributed informative publications detailing prevention techniques and indicators of a rabies-infected animal.
From 25 to 28 September 2023, the campaign witnessed various activities. One notable event on Thursday was a police-escorted parade through Katima Mulilo’s central business district, followed by a pet vaccination drive in collaboration with the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) under the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform. This drive included State Veterinarians, Animal Health Technicians, and Dr Tenzin Tenzin, a SADC representative from the World Organisation for Animal Health.
Mr Desderius further shared that they visited schools including Kahunikwa Primary, Ndoro Combined, Wild Kids Academy, Isize Combined, Liselo Combined and Kasibi Primary. “At these schools, students educated learners about rabies, its transmission, susceptible animals and the appropriate response to potential exposures,” he elaborated. There was also an effort to inspire learners about furthering their education at the University of Namibia.
Ndoro Memorial School took the initiative a step further by appointing Rabies Ambassadors from among their students – Silume Hele Nelly and Kaptein Ronaldo. They will champion the awareness cause within their school premises. After these educative sessions, the University students, in association with the DVS team, offered free vaccinations for dogs and cats around the schools.
Such endeavours reiterate the significance of combined awareness and vaccination efforts in countering rabies – protecting both our four-legged friends and humans alike.
