In February 2024, Côte d'Ivoire faced a notable and concerning increase in rabies cases, a disease with devastating consequences transmitted from animals to humans. With an alarming annual toll of 637 deaths, the disease posed a significant threat to the country, particularly affecting children in rural areas.


In response to this pressing public and animal health challenge, the Ministry of Animal and Fisheries Resources formulated a comprehensive plan to address rabies. Central to this strategy was the implementation of a comprehensive vaccination campaign scheduled to take place between March and April 2024. The campaign targeted regions with reported rabies cases, commencing in the Man department and subsequently extending to the Katiola department from 21 to 25 March 2024. Plans for future phases of the campaign were also outlined for the Guitry and Dimbokro departments.


The primary objective of these vaccination efforts was to contain the spread of rabies in affected areas, thereby safeguarding public health. With a target of vaccinating approximately 10 000 animals, including both pets and livestock, these campaigns aimed to protect both human and animal populations from the risks associated with rabies transmission.


Recognizing the urgency of the health crisis, FAO stepped in to provide crucial support under the National Integrated Rabies Control Programme in Côte d'Ivoire 2018–2020. This collaborative initiative between government agencies and FAO underscores the significance of collective action in tackling public health challenges and shielding vulnerable communities from preventable diseases.


Through this coordinated plan and strategic alliances, FAO ECTAD significantly contributed to assisting Côte d'Ivoire in combating rabies, demonstrating the influential effect of cooperative initiatives in protecting public health and welfare.