KZN Rabies Project Launch Richardsbay 2011

The Richardsbay/Uthungulu area was chosen for the site of the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation project launch due to it long being the centre of rabies in KZN. It was 40 degrees centigrade on the day with 98% humidity and yet people still came from far a wide to attend the event. Approximately 2-3000 people packed into and around the tent for the occasion along with media, and many local dignitaries, which including the Mayor of Umlhatuse, local political counsellors, tribal authorities, the minister of Agriculture (Mrs Lydia Johnson) and the Head of the department. The event was a huge success and entirely sponsored by the Department at a substantial fee, with five large tents hired security, ablutions, entertainment and catering for all who attended.

Over 150 dogs were vaccinated at a very well organized demonstration clinic, and the MEC (see below) who is a nurse by profession was very keen to join in and vaccinated two dogs very confidently.

This was followed by media interviews where the MEC and Prof Nel were interviewed for local radio and TV stations. A prepared media statement was made

available to all press attending as well as being forwarded to other media outlets. Following the event more informal media interactions were held. Master of Ceremonies of the event was Dr Dumisane Mtshali (Manager of Veterinary Services) who started by introducing the day with a video presentation of “If Only I Knew”(A locally produced rabies video of a dramatized rabies scenario which includes all aspects of the disease and its prevention) This was to set the stage for the actual launch.

. Dr D. Mtshali(MC)

Mr Le Roux the project manager then introduced the project and the reasons for its establishment, including the role of the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation, the achievements and the future of the project.

Mr. K. Le Roux(Project Manager)

Prof. Louis Nel

Special guest speaker Prof. Louis Nel of the university of Pretoria, then gave an excellent presentation on the role of the World Health Organization and the global perspective of the project, which helped solidify the importance of the project and the effects of which were later seen by the response of the politicians in recognizing the importance of the project, not only to the victims of the disease but to the image of the department and the province.

The Honourable Member of the Executive Council Mrs. Lydia Johnson.

MEC Lydia Johnson followed up with a talk on the departmental support for the project and importance of all role players in the fight against the disease. She is now an enthusiastic supporter of the project as she has previously nursed rabid patients and understands the gravity of the situation. She has also come out strongly as a supporter of responsible pet ownership which is a key component in the future of the control program.