"Luke is a truly inspirational and charismatic leader who believes in simply getting on with the job at hand."

Luke Gamble honoured for his work to tackle rabies globally

The 2016 One Health Award from WSAVA will be given to Dr Luke Gamble, described as a "truly inspirational and charismatic leader", for his work to eliminate rabies worldwide.

Dr Gamble is the founder of Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS), a charity that provides veterinary aid around the world, and sister charity Mission Rabies, which is leading the global fight against rabies.

As CEO of both organisations, he has managed to raise £4million to support the charities' projects.

Professor Michael Day, who chairs WSAVA's One Health Committee, said the achievements of both charities "readily show that even the greatest global health challenges are not insurmountable."

Rabies continues to cause at least 59,000 human deaths each year. Prof Day said the global fight against this disease represents the most significant example of the importance of a One Health approach to disease control.

"Luke is a world leader in this global fight," he added. "Mission Rabies runs mass vaccination campaigns and provides public education in Asia and Africa, having now vaccinated almost 400,000 dogs, spoken to over 500,000 schoolchildren and successfully controlled rabies in selected target areas…

"Luke is a truly inspirational and charismatic leader who believes in simply getting on with the job at hand."

Dr Gamble described the award as "a huge honour", which he accepted on behalf of his "amazing team" without whom the projects would not have been possible.

"It's an utter privilege to be a part of the veterinary profession and fighting diseases like rabies is an incredible opportunity to champion both people and animals - something we can all identify with," he explained.

"I'm totally indebted to WSAVA and the international veterinary community, who support has been overwhelming, and it is only with this unity, that we can keep driving forward - and winning."

Dr Gamble graduated from Bristol University in 1999 and is now based at his surgery in the New Forest, Pilgrims Veterinary Practice. In addition to his work with the WVS and Mission Rabies, he lectures internationally on animal welfare and other veterinary subjects and also sits on the World Health Organisation's expert panel for the International Control of Neglected Zoonotic Diseases.

He will receive his award at the 2016 WSAVA World Congress on 27-30 September in Cartagena, Colombia. 

Image © Mission Rabies