World Rabies Day Celebration

On 8 October 2025, the African Union (AU), Uniting to Combat NTDs (UTC), the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA), and the Kikundi Community of Practice for NTD Program Managers co-hosted a powerful World Rabies Day webinar under the theme “Engaging a New Generation: Empowering Youth to Lead the Fight Against Rabies in Africa.”

The session brought together health leaders, youth advocates, and NTD program managers from across Africa to spotlight the critical role of young people in advancing rabies elimination and promoting community-driven health action.

Keynote remarks were delivered by Joy Phumaphi (ALMA) and Professor Julio Rakotonirina (African Union Commission), who welcomed participants and emphasized their organizations’ commitment to youth engagement in health development .

Youth champions, including Annette Adhiambo (Kenya Malaria Youth Corps), Ryota Todoroki (NTDs Youth Organization Japan), and Dr. Mayowa Akinpelu (Africa Public Health Student Network), shared inspiring insights on youth-led advocacy, education, and One Health initiatives. Their presentations demonstrated how mobilizing Africa’s youth can accelerate progress toward achieving zero human deaths from rabies by 2030.

The event concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Issatou Touray (Uniting to Combat NTDs), reaffirming the importance of youth leadership and collaboration  in the continent’s fight against rabies and other neglected tropical diseases.