Africa Vaccine Initiative

Knock Out Rabies: Defend Lives

About the Africa Vaccine Initiative

Every year, around 60,000 people die from Rabies. Most of these deaths are children under the age of 15. Our goal is to help eliminate Rabies in rural communities in Malawi, which has the highest incidence of pediatric Rabies in the world.

Almost all human rabies cases (99%) are caused by contact with an infected dog. Once rabies symptoms show up, they are almost always fatal. 

Sixty thousand people around the world are dying for no good reason other than they happen to be in a region without the resources to vaccinate dogs. Dogs infected with Rabies can easily pass Rabies to humans through a dog bite or even licking an open wound. Death by Rabies is horrible. It is also entirely preventable. The solution is to vaccinate 70 percent of the dogs in an area. In 2018, we held our first large-scale vaccine campaign and have, to date, vaccinated over 30,000 dogs in rural Malawi. 

We chose Malawi not only because it has such a high death rate due to Rabies for children 15 and under but because it is where one of our founders was born and raised. The Malawian people have a special place in our hearts, and we hope to eradicate Rabies in their country so both their dogs and citizens can live safe, healthy lives. 

The Problem

Unnecessary, often violent, and entirely preventable deaths are claiming the lives of both humans and animals.

The Solution

Immunize 70 percent of the dogs residing in a specific region. A cost-effective and uncomplicated vaccine possesses the power to preserve the lives of dogs, children, and even humans. Implementing this straightforward solution is all that remains.

Now, let's establish our strategy. Our mission is to venture into destitute and neglected communities, ensuring the vaccination of dogs. As compassionate individuals, we aspire to eradicate both human and animal suffering. The solution is within our grasp; we simply require your assistance in devising an effective execution plan.  ​