Mbwa Wa Africa Animal Rescue teamed up with Arusha City Council, Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, and Edgard & Cooper Foundation to start a free four-day mass dog vaccination campaign in Arusha City.

The campaign, running on May 30-31 and June 6-7, 2026, will cover over 40 sites including schools, health centres, ward offices, and other community spots, operating from 9:00 a.m.to 4:00 p.m.daily.The goal is to reach at least 70% of the dog population, a threshold recommended by the World Health Organization to stop rabies transmission.Rabies, which is fatal once symptoms appear, mostly affects children due to dog bites.

The MSD Animal Health rabies vaccine will be used, safe for dogs of all ages including puppies and pregnant females, giving one-year protection per dose.Dog owners are urged to bring all dogs properly leashed or tied.Officials stressed that vaccination, combined with education and sterilisation programmes, is more effective than culling in controlling rabies.This campaign is part of Tanzania's contribution to the global “Zero by 2030” initiative to eliminate dog-mediated human rabies.Community participation is encouraged to protect lives and prevent future outbreaks.