Global Alliance for Rabies Control Inc.

GARC's mission is to prevent human and animal deaths from rabies, with a particular focus on dogs.

We aim to eliminate human deaths from dog rabies by 2030, by working with governments; veterinary, public health and educational experts; and communities to facilitate policy change and build capacity to eliminate rabies in areas hardest hit by the disease.

Goal One: GARC co-authored the first global plan to eliminate dog-mediated rabies, with WHO, UNFAO and OIE. The “Zero by 30: Global Strategic Plan to end human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030” (GSP).

Goal Two: GARC supports governments in rabies endemic countries (primarily Africa/Asia) with capacity building including technical trainings, disease surveillance, and professional and community education.

Goal Three: GARC launched the Communities Against Rabies initiative as a structured engagement to build local community expertise and foster collaboration to address the "last mile" of rabies elimination.

As a small, science-led organization, GARC continues to invest in its staff's expertise through commitments to collaborations, networks and supporting peer-reviewed scientific publications. This has resulted in the promotion of two key staff into leadership positions, (technical and programs). Both individuals have worked with the organization since their post-doctorate degrees.

The Covid-19 pandemic and veterinary disease outbreaks across Asia and Africa have demonstrated the fragility of the governmental health systems and highlighted the urgent need for better coordination and the critical role that civil society can play in supporting rabies control efforts. Although it is essential to continue to support national health systems, the Covid-19 pandemic demonstrated that, as front-line actors, community organizations required structured and scalable support. To address this, GARC launched in August 2023, the 'Communities Against Rabies' program to create a global cadre of dog heath experts, strengthen civil society expertise and unified “Communities of Excellence” to directly support and drive rabies elimination and humane dog population efforts beyond the isolated areas within communities. In line with the revised focus, GARC has coordinated with the WHO, UNFAO and OIE to move international stakeholder coordination (delivered through the Partners for Rabies Prevention group) to these institutions.