Protecting Lives Through Vaccination and the Global Fight Against Rabies

Safeguarding your pet’s health is not just about love – it’s also about responsibility. Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to protect both animals and humans from infectious diseases such as rabies. Rabies is a universally fatal disease once symptoms appear, claiming around 59,000 human lives each year, mostly in Africa and Asia, where 40% of victims are children (Minghui et al., 2018). Dogs are the primary source of transmission to humans, but the good news is that the disease is entirely preventable through vaccination.

Research has shown that vaccinating at least 70% of dogs annually can eliminate dog-mediated human rabies deaths (Minghui et al., 2018). Dog mass vaccination campaigns, when combined with education, represent one of the most cost-effective ways to control or even eradicate rabies (Gibson et al., 2022). This approach exemplifies the One Health concept, which recognizes that the health of humans, animals, and our shared environment are deeply interconnected (World Organization for Animal Health; WOAH).

MSD Animal Health is fully committed to the global goal of eliminating canine-mediated human rabies by 2030, as set by the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (Minghui et al., 2018).

Through its long-running Afya Programme, MSD Animal Health donates rabies vaccines to support partner organizations such as Mission Rabies and Rabies-Free Africa, which conduct large-scale vaccination and education initiatives (Afya Programme, Mission Rabies, n.d.; Rabies-Free Africa). Since 2013, more than 10 million people have been educated on rabies prevention through these efforts (Mission Rabies, 2023), and over seven million doses of life-saving rabies vaccines have been distributed (MSD Animal Health, 2025). These initiatives have had tangible impact — for instance, the Indian state of Goa has been declared free of human rabies, and an estimated 6,000–10,000 human exposures have been prevented in Africa (Gibson et al., 2022; Hampson, 2024).

By vaccinating your own dog or cat, you become part of this global team effort — helping to protect not just your family and pet, but communities around the world.

Innovative Technology for Smarter Pet Care

In addition to vaccines, MSD Animal Health invests in cutting-edge technology to improve everyday pet care. Through its Sure PetCare brand, the company offers a range of smart devices, including microchips that monitor body temperature and smart feeding systems that record your pet’s eating and drinking habits (Sure PetCare).

These connected solutions help owners and veterinarians detect subtle changes in a pet’s behaviour or physiology — often the first signs of potential health issues. For example, an increase in scratching might indicate discomfort caused by ectoparasites or allergies (Animal Health Europe, 2024). Early detection allows pet owners to consult veterinarians promptly, leading to faster diagnosis and treatment. This proactive approach not only enhances your pet’s welfare but also reduces the risk of parasite infestations and vector-borne diseases that can affect both animals and humans (Animal Health Europe, 2024).

By providing data-driven insights, these technologies empower veterinarians to deliver personalized, preventive care, while giving pet owners greater confidence and peace of mind.

Conclusion

Your pet’s health and wellbeing are central to a happy life together. MSD Animal Health shares that devotion — combining decades of scientific expertise, compassionate care, and philanthropic initiatives. From championing global rabies elimination through the Afya Programme to creating intelligent Sure PetCare solutions, the company leads the way in protecting pets, people, and the planet.

By working together with your veterinarian and leveraging the latest advances in vaccines and technology, you can ensure your pet receives the best possible care — and in doing so, contribute to a safer, healthier world.

References and Further Reading

• Minghui, R., Stone, M., Semedo, M.H., & Nel, L. (2018). New global strategic plan to eliminate dog-mediated rabies by 2030. The Lancet Global Health, 6(8), e828–e829. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30302-4
• Gibson, A.D., Yale, G., Corfmat, J., et al. (2022). Elimination of human rabies in Goa, India through an integrated One Health approach. Nature Communications, 13, 2788. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-30371-y
• World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). One Health. https://www.woah.org
• Afya Programme. https://www.afya.org
• Mission Rabies. https://missionrabies.com
• Rabies-Free Africa. https://rabiesfreeafrica.org
• Mission Rabies. (2023). Rabies prevention lessons delivered to over 10 million people. Link
• MSD Animal Health. (2023). MSD Animal Health reaches milestone of more than 6 million rabies vaccine donations through its Afya Program.
• Hampson, K. (2024). Personal communication, University of Glasgow, UK.

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