From victim to victor: our rabies hero

This deadly yet entirely preventable disease takes around 59,000 lives each year, with children making up 40% of these victims. We see the magnitude of rabies worldwide, and we're focusing our efforts on tackling this disease.

Stories like the one from our colleague Joseph Kitur Kipkemoi in Kenya show how the effort of just one person can make such a difference in tackling rabies.  Learn how his first-hand experience with the devastating effects of rabies motivated him to help others and eliminate this disease.

Fighting rabies in dogs

Joseph doesn't just vaccinate dogs. He's out there educating communities, empowering individuals, and providing 
local leaders with the knowledge to prevent and fight rabies in dogs. He inspires veterinarians and para-veterinarians at conferences, urging them to step up against the disease.

4 steps to prevent rabies

Joseph's fight against rabies in dogs revolves around these four steps: 

• Higher awareness through better education in dog behavior
• Vaccinating dogs, including strays.
• Vaccinating people in high-risk occupations like veterinarians, wildlife officers, animal control officers, and people working with rabies in laboratories.
• As an emergency response for anyone who has been exposed to the virus: consult a doctor or go to the nearest health facility to seek medical attention.

Symptoms of rabies in humans

Identifying the symptoms of rabies in humans is key. Joseph preaches in his community the importance of this. The symptoms may include:

Early symptoms: 

• Headaches
• Fever
• Anxiety
• Tingling sensation near the location of the wound

Advanced symptoms:

• Confusion
• Restlessness
• Aggression
• Hallucinations
• Fear of water
• Sometimes, seizures and paralysis may also occur. 

Final symptoms:

• Cardiac arrest
• Respiratory failure
• Coma, before death

If you identify any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Download our Facts vs. Myths guide below to learn more.

Joseph's collaborations with county governments, veterinary services departments, and NGOs like the Kenya Red Cross, Mara Dog Project, KESCAVA, and VSF-G show his conviction that "working together makes us stronger in the fight against rabies and helps us make a lasting impact in Kenya."

Making rabies a distant memory

We're all about inspiring our colleagues to be changemakers in the fight against rabies. Their stories of collaboration, compassion, and dedication are a testament to the power of collective action. Through initiatives like Stop Rabies, we're not just fighting a preventable disease but also strengthening the communities we serve. Explore more stories of resilience and innovation on our Rabies Story Hub and IMAGINE and see how we're making a difference every day.