In an effort to save human lives, African expert groups have decided to come together to fight against rabies within the African continent. The two groups are namely, the Southern and Eastern African Rabies Group (SEARG), with experts from almost 20 Anglophone African countries, and the Africa Rabies Expert Bureau (AREB), with rabies experts from approximately 15 Francophone African countries.

According to SEARG coordinator, Prof Louis Nel of the University of Pretoria, most of the human rabies cases are not reflected in the statistics as they are not officially reported to the powers that be.

“In order to effectively address the ongoing neglect and increasing scourge of rabies in Africa, our goal is to establish collaboration throughout Africa that endeavors to come up with suitable solutions, which are adaptable and applicable to the African continent. This platform should elevate the profile of the disease in the face of competing public and veterinary health priorities of African nations and assist to mobilize public powers and health authorities,” said Prof Nel.