Singida Region is located in the central part of Tanzania. This is one of the pastoralist regions where most economic activities is Agriculture and livestock keeping. The dog's keeping system and their population is the main problem in this region since dog's are owned as stray animals and there is no population control.
This is creating various problems and the sufferings for the animals and the humans as well as the results for uncontrolled canine which is leading to the diseases eruptions like rabies.
Due to these reasons, EAAW is implementing a dog welfare project in Tanzania which aims to support the community fighting against rabies and population control especially in the Singida region in the central part of the country. Dogs in these localities are owned as roaming dogs and they are kept for security purposes to accompany cattle to the wilderness for feeding. Despite the important work they are doing, they are not well cared for and their number is increasing day to day.
Their contact with wild animals and roaming around either for searching food or just because they are idle at night, is one of the sources for them to be rabid. This causes the high number of rabies cases which was not tackled before and causes the recurrences of the same problem.
What needs to be done
EAAW decided to settle in this place to help the community to get rid of rabies and serve animal life after seeing whose life is in danger for animals and humans. We lay down the plans that will serve and have future generations that will make both sides safe and have a generation with passion with animals hence the problems will not be the same.
Education to the communities
To make that possible we decided to involve communities at all levels. We do community education before the start of vaccination and sterilisation sessions, and to create bonds with children through school clubs and school gatherings in public schools for awareness purposes, but for the children to make them create bonds with animals.
Vaccinate Animals
The literature indicates that, with a minimum of 70% dog vaccination coverage, countries can effectively end dog-transmitted rabies in people for good. Safe and effective vaccines are available, and this method is the only way to eliminate the disease at its source, besides being the most cost-effective solution.
For the same reasons, EAAW is carrying out rabies vaccination, wound treatment and deworming. Rabies vaccination is the most focused area in our mission in the Singida region.
Raise awareness
Raising public awareness of rabies, including how to prevent dog bites, vaccinating dogs to prevent the disease, and appropriate treatment and care if exposed to the virus, is critically important to end rabies and save lives.
EAAW is taking the same measure through innovations and creative ways in educating community and pupils in public primary schools in the Singida region.
Population Control
By having your dog or cat sterilized, you will do your part to prevent the birth of unwanted puppies and kittens. Spaying and neutering prevent unwanted litters, help protect against some serious health problems. Sterilization reduces the number of unwanted cats/kittens/dogs/puppies. It's believed to be one of the ways of reducing rabies cases from animal to animal and from animals to human. This is because the low population leads to low fighting cases among animals as well as less interactions with wild animals.