The province of Kwa Zulu Natal (KZN) in the Republic of South Africa is one of the 3 sites where a rabies elimination programme benefiting from Gates Foundation funding is ongoing. The other 2 sites are located in Tanzania and the Philippines. Kwa-Zulu Natal is located on the eastern seaboard of the South Africa and has a population of about 10 million people.
As demonstrated by this official launch the provincial authorities are very committed to the goal of human and dog rabies elimination. External technical and financial support from the Gates Foundation and WHO is already helping Kwa-Zulu Natal to exert the final push towards the elimination of rabies in the province.
The project in Kwa Zulu Natal with the assistance of the Foundation will contribute towards defining refined strategies for canine rabies elimination which could be implemented by other countries in the region particularly those countries neighbouring KZN such as Mozambique et Lesotho.
Once rabies is eliminated in its animal reservoir the dog it will be possible to limit expenses related to preventing the disease in humans and animals in future years. The three projects have the potential to successfully control human and dog rabies within five years. The eventual elimination of rabies in these areas will ensure that more than 50 million people do not live in fear of rabies.