NPO Helps Danville Pets Receive Free Rabies Vaccinations

Unchain Our Children, in collaboration with several partners, recently hosted a successful vaccination drive in Danville, Pretoria West, to mark the 18th World Rabies Day.

The event, which took place on September 28 at Reddingsdaad in Danville, aimed to not only vaccinate animals but also raise awareness about rabies prevention.

Rabies, a zoonotic disease, is transmitted to humans through the saliva of infected animals, most commonly via dog bites. Once contracted, the rabies virus attacks the brain and leads to death, making prevention through vaccination crucial. In South Africa, dogs are the primary carriers, but other animals like cats, mongooses, jackals, and other wildlife can also spread the disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 59,000 people die each year from rabies, with children in Asia and Africa being the most affected.

Local NPO Brings Free Animal Vaccinations to Danville: Fighting Rabies One Vaccine at a Time

Uniting to Save Lives

Wayne van Onselen, the founder and executive director of Unchain Our Children, emphasized the importance of inoculating pets, particularly in vulnerable communities, and thanked all sponsors for their contributions to the event.

“Incorporating members of the communities during special days shows our long-term commitment to supporting the recovery journeys of the vulnerable,” Van Onselen said. He also praised David McInroy from First Property Trust for his support, the Animal Clinic team from Menlyn, Garden Court Southern Sun, and the Arcadia City Improvement District (CID) for their assistance.

In addition to providing vaccinations, Hill’s Pet Nutrition donated pet food to the furry companions, ensuring their health and well-being beyond the drive.

Global Efforts Against Rabies

Unchain Our Children’s efforts extend beyond local initiatives. The NPO recently participated in the UNICEF/FOR EVERY CHILD national stakeholder consultation, aimed at ending violence against children, as part of preparations for the global ministerial conference in Bogota, Colombia. The event, hosted by the Department of Social Development, highlighted the organization’s dedication to child welfare on both a national and global level.

The theme for World Rabies Day 2024, set by WHO, is “Breaking Rabies Boundaries.” This theme emphasizes the need for innovative strategies and collaboration across different sectors, with a focus on integrating human, animal, and environmental health efforts to curb the spread of rabies. WHO’s statistics underline the urgency of this cause, revealing that someone dies from rabies every nine minutes, with 40% of the victims being children.

Conclusion

Unchain Our Children’s vaccination drive is a vital step in protecting Danville’s community from rabies, showcasing the power of collaboration and community involvement in fighting preventable diseases. As rabies continues to claim lives worldwide, initiatives like these remind us that vaccination and education are key to safeguarding both humans and animals from this deadly disease.

More on this: Pretoria News