A Continental Milestone: Tanzania sets Historic Precedent with successful rabies control programme
Tanzania has made history by becoming the first East African country to receive official endorsement from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) for its rabies control programme, marking a transformative milestone in the global fight against this deadly zoonotic disease. Rabies, one of the world’s most neglected tropical diseases, causes around 59 000 human deaths annually—99 percent linked to dog bites. In Africa, rural communities and children are most at risk.
The endorsement was formally presented during the WOAH General Assembly (25–29 May 2025) to Tanzania’s Ambassador to France, H.E. Ally Jabir Mwadini. The ceremony was attended by the Director of Veterinary Services, private sector actors, and research partners supporting the national rabies elimination strategy.
Tanzania is now the fourth country globally—and the first in East Africa—to receive this recognition, reinforcing its leadership in zoonotic disease control and its commitment to achieving zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030. This recognition validates Tanzania's commitment to the "Zero by 30" global strategy, which aims to eliminate human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by the year 2030.
FAO's Instrumental Role in Tanzania's Success
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has been a key partner in Tanzania’s rabies elimination efforts, providing technical expertise, vaccines, and support for awareness and Public-Private Partnerships through its country office.
Under the leadership of FAO Representative to Tanzania, Dr. Nyabenyi Tipo, FAO has advanced a One Health approach, integrating human, animal, and environmental health sectors. Dr. Tipo’s strong expertise in veterinary epidemiology and disease control has played a key role in advancing progress. “This endorsement is a clear example of what effective coordination and commitment can achieve,” said Dr. Tipo.
FAO’s Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD), led by Dr. Stella Kiambi, has further strengthened national capacity through training and simulation exercises, enhancing Tanzania’s readiness to manage zoonotic disease threats.
Strengthening Response Capabilities Through Innovation
In August 2024, FAO ECTAD led a pioneering tabletop simulation exercise on rabies in Tanzania’s Kigoma Region, reinforcing the country’s capacity to respond to zoonotic threats. Organized in collaboration with the Prime Minister’s Office – One Health Section, the exercise convened twenty-nine experts from animal, public, wildlife, and environmental health sectors to test and improve national preparedness and response plans.
“This simulation is essential for assessing our readiness to manage public health emergencies under the One Health approach, especially in a world where diseases can rapidly cross borders,” noted Dr. Stella Kiambi, FAO ECTAD Country Team Leader in Tanzania.
The exercise highlighted key gaps, including the need for increased funding, staffing in the animal health sector, and better access to rabies vaccines and post-exposure prophylaxis. These insights have shaped Tanzania’s rabies control strategy—strengthening surveillance, vaccination, dog population management, and public awareness.
FAO’s support has also contributed to building sustainable financing models and fostering partnerships across government, private sector, and international actors—laying the foundation for the robust system recognized by WOAH as meeting global standards.
WOAH’s endorsement brings Tanzania international recognition for its capacity to control zoonotic diseases and opens doors to increased technical support, stronger political engagement, and enhanced access to funding for sustained disease control efforts.
During the endorsement ceremony, Ambassador Ally Jabir Mwadini expressed deep appreciation to President Samia Suluhu Hassan for prioritizing health security and investing in rabies elimination. “This achievement reflects the President’s bold leadership and commitment to protecting human and animal health,” he stated.
A Continental Milestone
Tanzania’s endorsement is more than a national success—it marks a turning point in Africa’s fight against rabies. Tanzania is now positioned to lead regional efforts in rabies and livestock disease control. The Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries is set to scale up implementation of the five-year national rabies elimination plan, which aims to reach 70 percent vaccination coverage of dogs in high-risk areas and strengthen One Health coordination across sectors.
Through its collaboration with the Government of Tanzania, FAO has helped establish a replicable model for tackling zoonotic diseases across the continent.
Contact Information:
Alice Maro
National Communication Consultant
FAO Tanzania
Email: [email protected]
Yanira Santana
Emergency Reporting and Outreach Specialist
Bureau FAO ECTAD Africa
Email: [email protected]