Rabies Free Pakistan Initiative (RFPI)
The Rabies Free Pakistan Initiative (RFPI 2025), led by SAVERS UVAS, is a multi-faceted campaign dedicated to raising awareness, promoting prevention, and taking concrete action towards eliminating rabies from Pakistan. SAVERS, a student-led registered society at the University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences (UVAS), is committed to empowering both students and professionals to play an active role in safeguarding human and animal health.
In recognition of its innovative approach, SAVERS was selected as one of the four global winners of the World Animal Day Grant 2025, funded by the Naturewatch Foundation, UK. With this support, SAVERS will implement a vaccination program for 100–250 stray dogs and cats, conducted jointly by veterinary students and qualified veterinary professionals. This initiative not only protects animals from a fatal disease but also reduces the risk of zoonotic transmission, directly contributing to the global target of Zero by 2030, set by the WHO, OIE, and GARC.
Running from August 1 to September 30, 2025, the campaign combines education, outreach, and field activities. It begins with a Mass Awareness Poster launch and continues with a series of posters and videos addressing rabies prevention, debunking myths, and highlighting public responsibilities. A flagship Webinar on Rabies Awareness will explore rabies transmission, prevention through the One Health approach, and the economic impact of the disease.
To maximize inclusivity, Public Service Messages (PSMs) will be released in 20 languages (national and international), ensuring accessibility across diverse communities in Pakistan and abroad. This will be followed by the Rabies Facts Series, a set of 30 educational reels tailored for digital platforms. In addition, students will participate in a Rabies Awareness Competition, encouraging creativity and youth-led advocacy.
On September 26, 2025, the campaign will culminate in a Rabies Vaccination Camp at the UVAS Pet Center and SPCA. The event includes an awareness walk and a vaccination drive, during which brochures, vaccination cards, collars, and other materials will be distributed. This practical initiative translates awareness into measurable impact, protecting both animals and people.
Grassroots outreach is another cornerstone of RFPI 2025. Veterinary students and partner clubs will conduct community and school visits, supported by educational resources from the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC). The campaign also leverages the GARC Education Platform, providing courses and training for professionals as well as the general public to sustain long-term learning.
The RFPI logo embodies the campaign’s mission: the green color symbolizes SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing), while the crescent and star represent progress, light, and knowledge. The design underscores the campaign’s vision of “breaking boundaries through collaboration” and its commitment to “a small step towards a Rabies Free Pakistan.”
By integrating awareness, direct vaccination, youth engagement, and international collaboration, RFPI 2025 sets a strong example for animal welfare organizations across Pakistan. More than a student-led initiative, it is a national call to action—a movement where compassion, science, and community join forces to achieve a future free from rabies.
- Contact Name: Asad Ali
- Contact Number: +923168447734
- Contact Email: asadaly1472@gmail.com
- Location: Lahore
- Organised by: Special Animals & Veterinary Emergency Relief Society