Sandrah Marimo is a Health Promotion Officer by training and works as a Project Enumerator in the Capacitating One Health in Eastern and Southern Africa (COHESA) Project, Zimbabwe. She is a Student Researcher in the Victoria Project Zimbabwe being coordinated by CIRAD and is currently pursuing a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree in the field of Public Health with a specific focus on zoonotic diseases at the University of Zimbabwe. She has co-authored a publication titled, “One Health Landscape in Zimbabwe: Current Status, Challenges and Opportunities for Institutionalization” under the COHESA project. Sandrah emerged top student in the International Course on Surveillance and Control of Rabies that was held from 2-11 December 2024 at the Biotechnology Center, University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe. She shares about the Award, her work and the future
Congratulations upon winning the International course on Surveillance and Control of Rabies Award. Please tell us about the training.
I am deeply honored to have been recognized as the Best Student in the International Course on Surveillance and Control of Rabies that was held from 2-11 December 2024 at the Biotechnology Center, University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe.
This prestigious 10-day on-site course was organized by the Department of Veterinary Services and the Faculty of Veterinary Science of Zimbabwe, the Institut Pasteur in Paris, The French Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), The French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD), The National Institute of Health Research in Zimbabwe, with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), the Department of Biochemistry of the University of Lausanne, Switzerland, the Health Sciences eTraining Foundation (HSeT) and the Pasteur Network, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC), Capacitating One Health in Eastern and Southern Africa (COHESA) and the French Embassy in Zimbabwe. It was the 8th edition in a series that have been organized in Senegal in 2013, in Cambodia in 2015, in Cameroon in 2016, in Iran in 2017, in Morocco in 2019, in Ivory Coast in 2022 and Cameroon in 2023.
The course aimed to provide practical training on rabies with a special focus on Southern Africa for professional animal and human public health sectors. It was open to public health officers involved in the control of zoonotic diseases, physicians, veterinarians, specialists in infectious diseases, virology and/or epidemiology with at least a bachelor’s but preferentially a master’s degree. Preference was given to applications from Southern Africa. Selection of participants entailed online application and reading 7 articles and completing the Global Alliance Rabies Control (GARC), an online Rabies Educator certificate and completing a quiz test.
Winning this award is not only a reflection of my hard work but also a testament to the incredible mentorship and collaboration I experienced throughout the training. I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in this course. It has inspired me to contribute towards rabies elimination which aligns with the global goal of achieving "Zero by 30" ending human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030.
Tell us about your work on Rabies and why it is important
My work on rabies is rooted in the broader context of One Health, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health.
Specifically, as a student researcher, I am conducting research titled "Strategies to Mitigate Potential Viral Spillover Risk from Bats and Rodents to Humans in Zimbabwe." This research is highly relevant to rabies because bats as one of the reservoirs of lyssaviruses, can play a role in the transmission cycle. By understanding the dynamics of viral spillover, focusing on surveillance, prevention, and control strategies, I aim to identify practical strategies to reduce the risk of zoonotic diseases like rabies spilling over from wildlife to humans. This work is critical because it contributes to addressing the root causes of zoonotic diseases and building resilient health systems in Zimbabwe and beyond. In addition to my research work, I work as a Project Enumerator for the Capacitating One Health in Eastern and Southern Africa (COHESA) Project which broadly emphasizes a collaborative and multi-sectoral approach to combating zoonotic diseases including rabies.
What excites you about your work?
Generally, I am a self-motivated young lady, who has a strong desire for personal intellectual satisfaction, pursuit of knowledge, aspiration to discover and learn new things hence my strong interest in research. My research on viral spillover risks from bats and rodents is both fascinating and urgent. The idea that my findings could inform policies, protect communities and even contribute to global health solutions is deeply motivating. I am passionate about the One Health approach which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health. Collaborating with professionals from diverse sectors makes every day dynamic and inspiring. It excites me to be part of a movement that addresses complex health challenges holistically rather than in silos.
Who might benefit from your work? How and why?
My work tackles the broader challenges of preventing zoonotic disease outbreaks and benefits anyone involved in or affected by zoonotic diseases ranging from individuals at the community level to national and global stakeholders. It will also provide evidence-based recommendations for policy makers. By focusing on prevention strategies, health education and multisectoral coordination between sectors, my work contributes to healthier communities, stronger health systems and a safer environment.
What are some of the challenges in your field of work and how do you address them?
Limited awareness and education – communities, especially in rural areas, lack awareness about zoonotic diseases, their transmission and prevention methods. Misconceptions and cultural beliefs often lead to delay or no treatment after exposure to a potentially rabid animal. I raise awareness by conducting health education during my field work through simplifying scientific information into messages that are appropriate and understandable to the communities that l serve.
What does the Award mean for you?
Winning this award is both an incredible honor and a motivation to continue working towards my professional and academic goals. As a student researcher, I will be able to leverage the expertise and networks I have gained through this course to enhance the impact of my research and informing evidence-based interventions that address the root causes of zoonotic spillover. This award has reinforced my belief in the importance of research, multisectoral collaboration and action in tackling zoonotic diseases. Moving forward, I am inspired to be a leader in the fight against rabies and other public health threats.