Mars Impact Fund Awards $3M to Combat Rabies in Thailand
Mars, Incorporated awarded $3 million to combat rabies in Thailand through vaccination campaigns targeting hard-to-reach dog populations in remote areas. The three-year initiative with Worldwide Veterinary Service aims to strengthen disease
Bangkok, Thailand — On World Rabies Day, Mars, Incorporated announced a partnership with Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS) to accelerate rabies elimination efforts in Thailand, with a focus on reaching difficult-to-access dog populations in the final stages of disease control. The collaboration is supported by a $3 million grant from the Mars Impact Fund, which emphasizes strengthening communities, developing the next generation of scientists, and advancing pet health and welfare.
"At Mars, improving the quality of life of pets worldwide is a priority," said Michelle Grogg, managing director of Mars Impact Fund. "Our partnership with Worldwide Veterinary Service and the Mission Rabies program aligns directly with a key pillar of Mars Impact Fund: promoting pet health through prevention-first approaches. This collaboration will strengthen veterinary capacity and build systems that protect both animals and the communities that care for them."
The three-year funding initiative will enable WVS to work alongside Thai government agencies in implementing targeted field vaccination campaigns to reach stray and hard-to-access dog populations that typically pose obstacles to mass vaccination programs. The partnership will also strengthen integrated rabies surveillance systems to detect outbreaks early and develop veterinary and public health team capabilities to sustain progress. Training operations will be coordinated through WVS's international training center in Chiang Mai, with funding extending support to broader Southeast Asian operations given the critical need for cross-border efforts.
Building on the foundation established by the Department of Livestock and provincial livestock offices nationwide, this collaboration will enhance existing programs through technical expertise, training, and field capacity essential for reaching remaining at-risk populations. This effort aims to protect millions of lives while strengthening Thailand's One Health disease management system, advancing the country toward sustainable rabies elimination.
"Rabies is a global health challenge we know can be eliminated, and Thailand is a place where we can prove this is possible," said Dr. Luke Gamble, founder of Mission Rabies.
