# Evaluating the 2024 dog oral rabies vaccination campaign in the Zambezi region, Namibia using GIS and household surveys

## TL;DR

A 2024 rabies vaccination campaign in Namibia's Zambezi region successfully increased dog vaccination rates using oral baits and spatial analysis.

## Contribution

The study demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of large-scale oral rabies vaccination in a resource-limited setting.

## Key findings

- The campaign achieved a 47.9% dog vaccination coverage in four days, rising to 56.8% with prior vaccinations.
- Spatial analysis showed 60% coverage in 10x10 km grid cells and 81% of the human population within the coverage area.
- Post-vaccination surveys showed increased vaccination rates and reduced rabies presence.

## Abstract

The 2024 oral rabies vaccination (ORV) campaign in Namibia’s Zambezi region aimed to address persistent rabies transmission through a large-scale effort combining direct dog vaccination and owner-assisted distribution. A total of 9,393 baits were distributed, and the campaign demonstrated feasibility and operational efficiency, achieving an estimated vaccination coverage of 47.9% of dogs in just four days, increasing to 56.8% when accounting for prior parenteral vaccination efforts. Spatial analysis revealed an average vaccination coverage of 60% across 10 × 10 km grid cells, and encompassed 81% of the human population of the Zambezi region within the vaccination coverage area. Post-vaccination surveys indicated a rise in vaccination rates (54.5% of dogs vaccinated, up from 18.9%) and lower presence of rabies. Improved education and awareness campaigns, targeted interventions in low-coverage areas, and enhanced surveillance are recommended to further reduce rabies incidence. The findings highlight the promise and proficiency of ORV campaigns in resource-constrained settings and demonstrate that its application can be key for sustained rabies control efforts in Namibia.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-026-38405-x.