Publication

THE SILENT BITES: A Wake up call for Rabies Awareness

By Yona Eliud Yangaza
August 11, 2023

Rabies, a deadly viral disease, continues to have a profound impact on communities throughout Africa, causing progressive and fatal inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. However, the good news is that rabies is 100% vaccine-preventable. Timely vaccination of exposed individuals, as well as vaccination of dogs and other animals to prevent infection at the source, has proven to be effective. Unfortunately, in many rabies-endemic countries, this strategy has not received sustained attention and investment.

Among those most affected by rabies are children and young adolescents, as many of the victims are younger than 15 years old. Therefore, it is crucial to engage and empower these youths in rabies prevention and control activities and to raise awareness and welcome their fresh perspectives and innovative solutions.

Let’s meet Yona Eliud Yangaza, an inspiring member of the youth-led registered nongovernmental organization the One Health Society – dedicated to fighting against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and antimicrobial resistance in the United Republic of Tanzania, Africa.
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