In a concerted effort to tackle the persistent threat of rabies, stakeholders gathered in Lilongwe to review and extend the existing National Rabies Strategy, fostering collaboration among diverse sectors including veterinary laboratories, public health institutes, and educational bodies.
The meeting commenced with a passionate address by the Director of Department of Animal Health and Livestock Development (DAHLD) Dr. Chulu, emphasizing the collective responsibility in combating rabies. The Lilongwe Society for the Protection and Care of Animals (LSPCA) together with other stakeholders deliberated on critical aspects of the strategy, seeking to address gaps and enhance its efficacy in light of evolving challenges.
One of the outcomes of the meeting was the integration of global economic concepts into the strategy, tailored to Malawi's unique epidemiological landscape. The LSPCA together with other stakeholders identified and incorporated crucial components which were previously absent in the strategy.
A consensus emerged regarding the need to improve the reporting and surveillance of human rabies cases, focusing on the need for a standardized, One Health approach to data collection. It was highlighted that the DAHLD would serve as the central repository for rabies-related data, streamlining information dissemination and analysis.
The National Rabies Strategy Meeting epitomized a unified commitment to combat rabies and safeguard both human and animal populations in Malawi. With tangible strategies and a renewed sense of urgency, stakeholders departed with a shared vision of eliminating human death by 2030 while advancing towards a rabies-free future. As the final draft of the strategy awaits submission to the Ministry of Health, scheduled for May 2024, Malawi stands firm on its journey towards a safer and healthier nation.