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Communities Against Rabies Initiative

Global Alliance for Rabies Control

The Communities Against Rabies initiative is the first to unite a global grassroots movement to eliminate dog-transmitted rabies.

Our Solution

The GARC Approach

We focus on building individual and organizational capacity, effectively using digital tools, and establishing a global network of Dog Health Champions (DHCs) and Rabies Centers of Excellence (RCEs).

By empowering individuals as DHCs and organizations as RCEs, we are building a network of excellence that amplifies stakeholder efforts through international recognition and standardized tools.

How does Communities Against Rabies work?

The CAR program operates through a phased approach, using GARC’s proven tools and resources to build capacity and foster collaboration.

The initiative focuses on three key phases:

  • 1.Building individual Capacity

    The initiative will recognize and train Dog Health Champions (DHCs) to become the first dog-health focused workforce for rabies elimination.

    • DHCs will be trained to educate their communities on dog health, rabies vaccination and surveillance.
    • DHCs will benefit directly from GARC’s leading international expertise aligned with global approaches.
  • 2.Building organizational capacity

    We support organizations, particularly NGOs, that fill gaps where government efforts fall short. It is not always possible for governments to reach all at-risk communities. Typically, NGOs fill these gaps in the communities by supporting activities within communities that government efforts are unable to reach. They also offer additional services like Dog Population Management, as well as supplement limited government efforts through targeted community programs.

    • We help organizations by providing the following solutions:
    • Access to GARC’s technical expertise and support.
    • Access to GARC’s extensive database of scientifically-backed educational resources, available in multiple languages, with support for developing context-specific materials at no cost.
    • Certifying organizations as Rabies Centers of Excellence (RCEs), offering ongoing capacity strengthening, tools, and international media exposure to raise their profiles.

    Our RCEs are community organizations working together to ensure standardized approaches, efficient resource use, and collaboration to tack rabies at scale.

  • 3.Leveraging technological innovations

    Through the GARC Data Platform, the CAR program integrates digital tools to improve rabies surveillance, reporting, and response. These tools enable communities to track cases, monitor progress, and allocate resources effectively, addressing gaps in inconsistent reporting. By standardizing data collection across RCEs, we ensure coordinated, impactful outcomes without duplicating efforts.

Become a Dog Health Champion

Register for GARC’s courses now.

 

Want to know more about being recognized as a Rabies Center of Excellence?

Click here.