Each year, World Rabies Day takes place on 28th September, which marks the anniversary of the death of French chemist, Louis Pasteur, who administered the first rabies vaccine in 1985. Despite an effective vaccine being developed all these years ago, rabies still causes unimaginable suffering for both people and animals globally.
Rabies still takes a person’s life every nine minutes around the globe. It also causes the deaths of millions of dogs annually, with them being one of the animals most prone to rabies. It is a disease that is underreported and systematically ignored due to it affecting the most vulnerable and isolated in society.
In 2013, after witnessing the devastating effects that rabies has on both people and animals, our CEO and Founder Dr Luke Gamble launched our flagship project, Mission Rabies. A project working to protect both human and animal lives through the large-scale vaccination of dogs, education programmes in schools and communities, and surveillance efforts.
This World Rabies Day, our theme is ‘healing the bond’ which really encompasses what this life-saving programme is all about. Hear three ways how our Mission Rabies programme is ‘healing the bond’ between people and animals, and improving animal welfare worldwide.
1) Protecting people, pets, and wildlife
Millions of dogs die an excruciating death from rabies every single year, as they are one of the animals most prone to the deadly disease. By receiving a free rabies vaccination, a dog is protected from one of the world’s oldest and most devastating diseases. This doesn’t only provide protection to the dog vaccinated, but also the people within their community, and other animals they live alongside - including wildlife as rabies can affect any mammal. Our Mission Rabies project is focused around the One Health approach, recognising the interconnectedness of the health of people, animals, and ecosystems.
By vaccinating 70% of a dog population, we can achieve herd immunity and stop the disease in its tracks. And, as 99% of all human rabies are the result of a dog bite, if the dogs aren’t getting rabies, then neither are people - creating a safer, healthier, and brighter community for all. A community where people and dogs can live more harmoniously alongside one another without the threat of this horrific disease.
Vaccine being administered to stray dog in Goa – the first Indian state to be declared a ‘Rabies Controlled Area’.
Children hold puppies ready for vaccination at annual campaign in Blantyre, Malawi.
Dog being held for vaccination in the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, located in Nilgiris district in Tamil Nadu. Here, outbreaks of diseases such as rabies pose a threat to people, domestic animals, and the Reserve’s wildlife.
2) De-villainising dogs
Unfortunately, as rabies is a disease that spreads from dogs to people, it leads to fear, inhumane culls, and the mistreatment of dogs. When communities know that dogs are vaccinated and safe to be around, it reduces the fear and leads to the improved treatment of dogs.
Furthermore, through our education sessions, we are empowering children, their teachers and their families with the knowledge to protect themselves from rabies and save lives – teaching how to be safe around dogs and better understand their behaviour to avoid bites.
We encourage members of the public to bring their dogs for vaccination and sterilisation, and raise awareness of our emergency rabies response teams. This builds communities who know how to protect themselves from the disease, and who act to support rabies control.
Children during our 2025 Lake Malawi vaccination drive with educational leaflets on rabies prevention.
Children learning how to wash a wound if bitten by a dog – a step that can significantly reduce the risk of contracting rabies.
3) Shifting mindsets
During our vaccination programmes, dog owners and community members witness our teams taking great care to ensure as many dogs as possible are vaccinated. They see our teams carefully handling the dogs, showing them compassion, and that they are worthy of this vet care.
Our vaccinators take the time to talk to community members about the importance of regular vaccinations, how to stay safe around dogs, and how to access veterinary care such as spaying/neutering or when an animal is sick or injured.
Seeing this compassion in action and having these vital conversations, all helps to instil the very important role that veterinary care plays within communities – shifting mindsets, enhancing animal welfare, and most importantly, protecting human and animal lives.
Owner brings puppies for vaccination during a campaign in Blantyre city, Malawi.
Owner holds dog for vaccination during our 2024 Cambodia drive where over 229,000 dogs were vaccinated.
During our 2025 Goa vaccination campaign, our team informed dog owners of the free sterilisation service and other services available at our WVS Goa veterinary clinic.
How can you help fight this deadly disease?
Donate to support our rabies programmes: your donation can save lives. Donate.
Volunteer at one of vaccination drives: we need passionate vet and non vet volunteers to ensure as many dogs as possible receive their life-saving vaccinations. View all volunteer projects.
Share awareness materials: you can spread vital awareness on the dangers of rabies and how to prevent it. Follow @missionrabies on socials to discover more.
Vaccinate pets: If you live in an area with rabies, please ensure your pet is up to date with their rabies vaccines to keep your community safe.
Report suspect rabid animals: It is vital that potentially rabid animals are reported and can be safely removed from communities. In our project areas, we have hotlines that can provide assistance. Learn more.