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Local NPO brings free animal vaccinations to Danville
Unchain Our Children and partners organized a vaccination drive in Danville, Pretoria West, in observance of the 18th World Rabies Day on September 28. The initiative aimed to not only administer vaccinations but also raise awareness about rabies prevention through vaccination at Reddingsdaad in Danville.
Rabies is a zoonotic disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans. It is caused by a virus that affects the brain, ultimately leading to death. The virus is primarily spread through the saliva of infected animals via bites. In South Africa, dogs are the primary source of infection, although other animals like cats, mongooses, jackals, and various wild species can also transmit the disease to humans.
Wayne van Onselen, the founder and executive director of Unchain Our Children, emphasized the importance of inoculating cats and dogs in the area. He expressed gratitude to all the sponsors for their support in the initiative.
“Incorporating members of the communities during special days is evident of the long-term dedication the organisation displays towards recovery journeys of the vulnerable,” Van Onselen stated.
Van Onselen specifically acknowledged David McInroy from First Property Trust for his proactive involvement, the team from Animal Clinic in Menlyn, and Garden Court Southern Sun for their contributions. The Arcadia City Improvement District (CID) was also recognized for their assistance. Additionally, Hill’s Pet Nutrition provided pet food for the animals present at the event.
Unchain Our Children recently participated in the UNICEF/FOR EVERY CHILD national stakeholder consultation on ending violence against children in preparation for the global ministerial conference in Bogota, Colombia. The event was hosted by the Department of Social Development (National Office) at the Premier Hotel OR Tambo, where Unchain Our Children was one of only five invited NPOs/NPCs.
For World Rabies Day 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) adopted the theme ‘Breaking Rabies Boundaries’ to underscore the necessity for progress and advancement beyond the current status. This theme emphasizes the importance of innovative strategies and cross-sector collaboration, stressing the integration of human, animal, and environmental health efforts.
WHO estimates that about 59,000 individuals succumb to rabies annually, equating to one person every nine minutes, with 40% of the victims being children from Asia and Africa. Dog bites remain the primary cause of rabies in humans, underscoring the crucial need for increased awareness and vaccinations to mitigate the disease’s impact.
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