In a first-of-its-kind public-private partnership, the General Organization of Veterinary Services (GOVS) and Boehringer Ingelheim, a leading research-driven biopharmaceutical company have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance efforts to eliminate dog-mediated human rabies.
This partnership aims to address public health risks associated with rabies in Egypt. The signing of this agreement reflects a shared commitment across government and institutional stakeholder to protect the health of Egyptian citizens and maintain environmental and public health balance throughout the country.
Egypt has made progress in combating zoonotic diseases through vaccination campaigns, awareness efforts, and the expansion of cooperation protocols with partners from the private sector and civil society. The GOVS, emphasizes the importance of cross-sector partnerships, which combine scientific and practical expertise with logistical and administrative support to achieve effective and sustainable results in reducing the spread of rabies—particularly in rural areas and regions with high animal density.
Rabies is a viral zoonotic disease that attacks the central nervous system and is fatal once clinical symptoms appear. Transmitted primarily through dog bites, it remains a preventable yet deadly global threat, causing around 59,000 human deaths worldwide each year.
The agreement, signed on July 22 at the GOVS headquarters in Ismailia, marks a significant step in addressing the ongoing threat of rabies on the Egyptian community. The MoU was signed by Dr. Hamed Moussa Al-Aqnas, Chairman of the General Organization for Veterinary Services and Mahmoud El Mahdy, Country Head of Animal Health for North, East, and West Africa at Boehringer Ingelheim.
Dr. Hamed Moussa Al-Aqnas, Chairman of the General Organization for Veterinary Services said: “Rabies remains one of the most serious public health threats, despite being preventable. At GOVs, we are committed to promoting the health and well-being of animals in Egypt, while also safeguarding human health from animal-related diseases. Through stronger cross-sector collaboration and by aligning with the global strategy to eliminate rabies by 2030, we aim to advance Egypt’s national response and deliver sustainable impact. “
“Public engagement is a key component in rabies elimination efforts. We aim to increase the community’s understanding of how rabies is transmitted and the serious risks it poses, with a particular focus on protecting our youth who are among the most vulnerable and often come into contact with stray dogs during play. In parallel, we are committed to promoting responsible pet ownership by emphasizing the importance of vaccinating domestic dogs to safeguard both their owners and the wider community,” added Dr. Moussa.
Following the agreement, GOVS and Boehringer Ingelheim will be the primary drivers of the “Elimination of Dog-Mediated Human Rabies”, an initiative by the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation (MoALR). The two parties will collaborate to conduct comprehensive vaccination campaigns targeting stray dogs against rabies across Egypt, starting in Ismailia.
“Despite being a vaccine-preventable disease, rabies continues to be a global threat and is responsible for the death of thousands of people every year, with a large proportion of victims being children. As a global leader in rabies prevention, we have the expertise and tools needed to support rabies elimination efforts and help protect communities from dog-mediated rabies. However, our impact is greatly amplified through strategic public partnerships that empower us to drive greater change. We look forward to working closely with the General Organization of Veterinary Services to address the threat of rabies in Egypt and help safeguard both children and adults from this devastating disease, contributing to a healthier and safer environment for both humans and dogs,” said Mahmoud El Mahdy, Country Head of Animal Health for North, East, and West Africa at Boehringer Ingelheim.
In addition to conducting rabies vaccination campaigns, the agreement includes raising awareness about rabies, its dangers, and the importance of prevention. This will be achieved through various mediums, including local community events and educational programs in academic settings.
The partnership is part of Boehringer Ingelheim’s global “Stop Rabies” initiative, which aims to eliminate dog-mediated rabies through a holistic approach focused on vaccination, education, and surveillance. With a commitment to providing 500 million vaccine doses and educating 15 million children by 2038, the company is working closely with governments, NGOs, veterinarians, and communities to address the disease at its source. In Egypt, this partnership with GOVS marks a critical step toward that global goal, starting in Ismailia and aiming to create long-term, community-driven impact.
Boehringer Ingelheim
Boehringer Ingelheim is a biopharmaceutical company active in both human and animal health. As one of the industry’s top investors in research and development, the company focuses on developing innovative therapies that can improve and extend lives in areas of high unmet medical need. Independent since its foundation in 1885, Boehringer takes a long-term perspective, embedding sustainability along the entire value chain. Approximately 54,500 employees serve over 130 markets to build a healthier and more sustainable tomorrow. Learn more at Boehringer Ingelheim – Life Forward | Boehringer Ingelheim.
