Mission Rabies
Goa

The Mission Rabies Goa Vaccination Drive was a 5-day intensive campaign held in the Bardez district of Goa, organized by Mission Rabies, one of IVSA India’s key partners. IVSA India mobilized 18 veterinary students to participate in this impactful public health initiative. Together with Mission Rabies veterinarians, foreign vets, and trained vet techs, the team conducted door-to-door vaccinations, successfully covering and vaccinating over 10,000 dogs in the region. What made this experience especially enriching was the opportunity to interact with international veterinary professionals, allowing students to learn firsthand about global standards in rabies control and community outreach strategies. The participants also attended a special lecture by Dr. Andy, a leading figure in rabies eradication efforts, further deepening their understanding of zoonotic disease management in India. We are happy to inform you that Goa is now said to be a rabies controlled state:) which is a huge achievement in a rabies endemic country like India. All travel, accommodation, and food expenses for the student volunteers were fully covered, making it an accessible and inclusive opportunity. The campaign proved to be not only a major step forward in the fight against rabies but also a transformative learning experience for the next generation of veterinarians.