In Chongwe District, Rabies entered homes not as a rumor, but as a relentless outbreak. It came from the bite of infected dogs, moving silently from animal to animal. It thieved livestock from kraals and with a profound and final cruelty, stole loved ones from families. The loss and grief left in its wake became a shared burden, a deep, communal wound. That wound is now the root of our resolve. From a legacy of loss grows a united pledge of protection.
Now, the grounds of Chongwe Primary School buzzed with an energy that felt different last Wednesday. It wasn’t just the chatter of children or the rustle of leaves. It was the palpable hum of a community deciding to change its future. On January 14th, 2026, under a sky that showered the day with a soft, persistent rain, Chongwe didn’t just launch a vaccination campaign; it wrote the first chapter of a new story, a story of a rabies-free community.
Even the weather could not dampen the resolve. Under a tapestry of umbrellas and makeshift rain covers, a line of determined residents waited, their dogs beside them. A chorus of eager barks cutting through the patter of the rain, each one a patient (if noisy) plea for protection. The chapter began with a handshake, a symbol of a powerful alliance forged in these damp, hopeful conditions. His Worship, the Mayor, Mr. Christopher Habeenzu, stood surrounded by a coalition that painted a perfect picture of modern community action.
Beside him were the steadfast faces of the Chongwe Town Council and the technical experts from the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries and the Veterinary Association of Zambia. But the circle was wider. It included private sector champions who had chosen to invest not just in business, but in breath and heartbeat.
The vision was made real by a foundational gesture from CFAO Mobility, funding half the campaign engine, championed by the relentless advocates of the Lusaka Animal Welfare Society (LAWS). Then, from NemChem Zambia, came another powerful commitment. Managing Director Mr. Jared Buratto didn’t just sign a cheque; he endorsed cause, ensuring that good intentions were matched with the cold-chain logistics and vital vials needed for success.
“This campaign extends far beyond veterinary medicine,” Mayor Habeenzu’s voice carried across the gathered crowd, rich with conviction, undeterred by the drizzle. “It is a profound public health imperative. The solidarity you see here today, this is the true engine of our progress.”
His words were not just heard; they were met with action. As the rain gently soaked the earth, so did the community’s commitment take root. Families arrived, their dogs on leads and in arms, undaunted by the shower. The line snaked around the school ground, a living, barking testament to trust. By day’s end, 642 dogs had received their protective shield. Each needle prick was a tiny defeat for a deadly virus and a massive leap of faith by the people.
Faith Nawakwi representative of CFAO Mobility, watched the lines, her sentiment echoing the day’s spirit: “CFAO is committed to taking part to save lives, not just animals, but humans at large. It’s a ripple effect.” And the ripples were spreading. The campaign, as explained to every attentive pet owner, was a twin mission: to vaccinate every possible dog and to seed the community with knowledge on responsible pet ownership, building a wall of prevention that would last for years.
The Mayor, mingling with residents under the sheltering eaves, made the message personal. “This threat touches us all,” he emphasized, thanking the turnout. “Your cooperation today, rain or shine, is what transforms a government programme into a community shield. Please bring every dog. This service is for you, for your children, for our shared safety.”
As the first day drew to a close and vaccination teams packed their kits to fan out across the district in the coming days, something more than a public health initiative remained.
It is a beacon proving a powerful truth, that a safer, healthier future is forged not by a single entity, and not under perfect conditions, but at the crossroads where compassionate governance, expert civil society, purpose-driven business, and an engaged community meet. In Chongwe, that future is no longer a distant hope. It is now a mission in motion, with every vaccinated paw, every informed smile, and every joyful bark in the rain actively building a rabies-free tomorrow.
The story has begun. And Chongwe is united to see it through.
