A dog rabies vaccine bank implemented in 2013 through collaboration between WHO and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa has catalysed expansion of rabies control region-wide.
Regular supply and availability of dog rabies vaccines will also benefit dog immunization programmes in neighbouring countries such as Mozambique, Lesotho and Swaziland.
Dog vaccine banks provide a stable supply for mass dog vaccination campaigns and stimulate expanded control of dog-mediated rabies in surrounding areas. Such expansion in KwaZulu-Natal – from a small-scale pilot project in one district, to provincial and country level and beyond into neighbouring countries – is a natural progression of control and the need to halt reintroduction of the disease.
The vaccine bank allows countries to gain first-hand experience in mass dog vaccination, increase access to vaccines and improve data on the size of canine populations. “Stimulus packages” to kick-start programmes include provision of dog vaccines, handling implements to support mass vaccination, technical support and training, and education campaigns targeted at communities. These packages catalyse expansion by encouraging the adoption of rabies elimination efforts and border control programmes in surrounding provinces, and build a protective buffer around rabies-free project sites.
Stimulus packages also contribute to the demonstration of success and in generating evidence through better data collection. Improved data collection will lead to more accurate, reliable forecasting and eventually to more stable, timely and consistent product availability. Data will also feed into national policies and foster political commitment at the country level, which is key to raising awareness of rabies as a public health priority and in implementing sustainable strategies.
Lessons learned
- Funding is key to overcoming initial barriers to implementation: success breeds success.
- “Just Start!”, the project’s motto, reflects that even small-scale vaccination campaigns can make an impact and form the basis for developing tailor-made strategies in a new environment.
- Stimulus packages ensure project sustainability; fully funded programmes risk failing if donors withdraw.