Pilot project gains recognition
A pilot project by the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC) has been shortlisted for The Charity Awards, held on June 13.
One of only two selected from hundreds of entries in the healthcare and medical research category, the project has been recognised by one of the most prestigious award schemes for charities.
GARC demonstrated that rabies can be successfully eliminated in resource-poor areas by focusing on educating a community in the Philippine island of Bohol.
Planned over four years, the project was aimed at helping local people manage the risk of rabies, improve diagnosis and improve the availability of vaccines. It targeted under 15s – the highest group at risk.
In fact, it took just two years – from 2007 to 2009 – to eliminate the disease in the community, thanks to the strength of the project's model.
GARC is now testing the Bohol model in other areas, including other parts of the Philippines, Chad, Indonesia and Tanzania.
The Charity Awards will be held in London, where GARC will be among 29 other charities hoping to pick up a trophy and be entered into the Overall Award for Excellence category.
Daniel Phelan, who organises the awards ceremony, said: "In being shortlisted, GARC has demonstrated exceptional performance against as many of the 10 hallmarks of excellence as possible.
"I wish them the best of luck on the night."
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
