Hanoi rabies project wins World Rabies Day award

The Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC) honoured Bui Thi Duyen, director of SBCC Vietnam, with the World Rabies Day Awards 2026 for their project aimed at rabies prevention, sustainable economic development, and a gradual shift away from dog and cat meat trading in specific Hanoi districts. The project, endorsed by the Hanoi People's Committee in July 2025, focuses on supporting slaughter and sale workers to transition into safer livelihoods.

After a year, 28 businesses have closed, and 25 have pledged to alter their business models. Giang Vo ward has now achieved zero dog or cat meat businesses. World Rabies Day 2026 saw 54 rabies deaths recorded in Vietnam. Duyen emphasized the award's success stems from the joint efforts of SBCC Vietnam, the Hanoi Sub-Department of Livestock, Fisheries and Veterinary Medicine, Soi Dog Foundation, and other partners.

The project employs a One Health approach, addressing human health, animal welfare, and community livelihoods. This multi-sectoral coordination, combined with a focus on behavioural change, sets the project apart. Hanoi's Department of Agriculture and Environment leads the policy implementation, while Hanoi's Sub-Department of Livestock, Fisheries and Veterinary Medicine provides technical guidance and capacity-building.

Local ward committees and veterinary staff work door-to-door with dog and cat meat businesses, promoting change and compliance. Soi Dog Foundation brings international expertise in sustainable livelihood transitions and humane euthanasia methods. SBCC Vietnam manages the behaviour change communication strategy, working closely with the traders as they acquire new skills and livelihoods.

The project has also inspired private veterinarians to volunteer their time and expertise. Most dog and cat meat traders are already aware of the risks to human health, but the primary challenge is securing an income for their families. To address this, the project has conducted five livelihood transition workshops and three hands-on vocational training courses, covering e-commerce, drink-making, and South Korean-style cooking.

The award citation highlights the project's success due to its multi-sectoral coordination and consistent emphasis on long-term, sustainable behaviour change. The project's achievements rely on the synergy between various sectors, each contributing their specific strengths and expertise.