One Healthy Society International
Veterinarians caring for animals and people
Our Mission
Prevent Rabies, Save Human Lives
At One Healthy Society International, we are committed to creating a safer and healthier world for both humans and animals. Our main objective is to combat human rabies and pet overpopulation by providing mass dog rabies vaccination and surgical sterilization services in Ethiopia and other regions across the globe. Our organization is led by experienced veterinary professionals who are dedicated to making positive impact in the communities they serve Our ultimate goal is to control human rabies by implementing effective and proven solutions, with the aim of reducing the number of rabies-related deaths each year.
RABIES FACTS
Rabies is a viral disease that is 100% vaccine-preventable, yet it kills an estimated 59,000 people each year worldwide. Shockingly, 40% of those bitten by suspected rabid animals are children under 15 years of age. Rabies is the world's deadliest disease, with a 100% fatality rate once symptoms appear.
At OHSI, we are dedicated to human rabies control to prevent needless suffering and death from this devastating disease. To control canine rabies, we need to achieve herd immunity by vaccinating at least 70% of the dog population. At One Healthy Society International, we are dedicated to promoting the importance of vaccinating dogs and ensuring that as many dogs as possible are protected. We partner with local communities to run vaccination campaigns and educate dog owners on the importance of vaccinating their pets. In addition to vaccinations, our organization also focuses on effective and humane pet population control through surgical sterilization. By controlling the dog population, we can help prevent the spread of rabies and improve the lives of both dogs and people.
Humane Dog Population Management in Ethiopia
A One Health Strategy for Rabies Prevention
In Ethiopia, large populations of free-roaming dogs and limited access to veterinary services contribute to ongoing risks of dog-mediated rabies transmission. In some areas, the response to increasing dog populations has included mass elimination of street dogs. While intended to reduce risk, this approach is not effective in controlling rabies and raises serious concerns for animal welfare, public trust, and long-term sustainability. Scientific evidence and global experience show that removing dogs without addressing vaccination and reproduction does not stop rabies transmission and often leads to rapid population rebound. A Humane and Effective Solution The most effective and sustainable approach to controlling both rabies and dog populations is a combination of: Mass Dog Rabies Vaccination Vaccinating at least 70% of dogs in a community can interrupt rabies transmission and protect human populations. Humane Spay and Neuter Programs Sterilization stabilizes and gradually reduces dog populations while improving animal health and welfare. Community Engagement Working with local communities helps promote responsible dog ownership, increase vaccination coverage, and support humane practices. Veterinary Capacity Building Training local veterinarians ensures that programs are sustainable and locally led. The One Health Approach Dog population management and rabies prevention are not only animal welfare issues—they are public health priorities. A One Health approach recognizes the connection between: human health animal health community well-being By strengthening veterinary services and increasing vaccination coverage, communities can significantly reduce the risk of human rabies deaths. OHSI’s Approach in Ethiopia One Healthy Society International is committed to supporting humane, science-based solutions through: Mass dog rabies vaccination campaigns Training veterinarians in safe surgical and anesthesia techniques Supporting municipal veterinary clinics Expanding access to spay and neuter services Building partnerships with local organizations and veterinary schools Our work in Addis Ababa demonstrates how local collaboration and practical training can begin to create sustainable change. Why Humane Approaches Matter Replacing mass dog elimination with humane population management: Improves animal welfare Builds community trust Supports long-term rabies control Aligns with global public health best practices Rabies is a 100% preventable disease. By focusing on vaccination, sterilization, and local capacity building, it is possible to protect both human and animal populations. Our Vision OHSI envisions a future in Ethiopia where: Dog-mediated human rabies deaths are eliminated Communities have access to veterinary care Dog populations are managed humanely and sustainably Local veterinary professionals lead long-term solutions Get Involved OHSI welcomes collaboration with veterinarians, public health professionals, NGOs, and partners committed to advancing humane and effective rabies control.
OUR INITIATIVES
We are committed to taking action against rabies through various initiatives and programs. From community outreach to vaccination campaigns, we strive to create a rabies-free world.
Vaccination Campaigns
Our organization conducts widespread vaccination campaigns to protect individuals and animals from the threat of rabies.
Public awarenes
Educating the public about rabies prevention and promoting responsible pet ownership are essential components of our work.
Population control
We are committed to tackling the problem of stray dog overpopulation through high-volume surgical sterilization. Our ultimate objective is to create a safer and healthier environment for both humans and animals.
WHO WE ARE
Dr. Alem Terefe is a highly experienced veterinarian with a wealth of expertise in animal welfare. She has devoted a significant portion of her career to serving at the New York City animal shelter and the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, where she honed her skills in high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter procedures, herd health management, and pet overpopulation control. Dr. Terefe's unwavering commitment to animal welfare inspired her to establish OHSI Inc, an organization dedicated to eradicating human rabies in Ethiopia and beyond.
Founder's message
I founded One Healthy Society International (OHSI) with a clear purpose: to advance humane, effective, and science-based solutions that protect both animal welfare and human health. In many communities, including in Ethiopia, free-roaming dog populations and rabies remain serious and interconnected challenges. Too often, these challenges have been addressed through mass elimination of street dogs. While intended as a response to public safety concerns, this approach is not effective in controlling rabies and raises significant animal welfare concerns. There is a better way. Global evidence consistently shows that dog-mediated human rabies deaths are best prevented through mass dog vaccination, combined with humane dog population management. When vaccination coverage reaches critical levels, rabies transmission can be interrupted, protecting entire communities. At OHSI, we are committed to supporting practical, sustainable solutions that include: Mass dog rabies vaccination programs to prevent human rabies deaths Humane spay and neuter programs to stabilize dog populations Veterinary training and capacity building to strengthen local expertise Partnerships with municipalities, veterinary schools, and local organizations Our work is grounded in a One Health approach, recognizing that the health of people and animals is deeply interconnected. In 2026, we launched our first pilot initiative in Addis Ababa, where we partnered with local organizations, such as ELNET Foundation, to support veterinary training, rabies vaccination, and the development of a municipal pilot clinic. This experience reinforced a simple but powerful truth: sustainable change comes from strengthening local systems and working alongside communities. Our vision is to expand programs that help eliminate rabies, improve animal welfare, and support veterinary services that communities can rely on long term. Rabies is a preventable disease, and humane solutions exist to manage dog populations effectively. Through collaboration, training, and evidence-based approaches, we can replace ineffective practices with strategies that protect both people and animals. I invite you to join us in advancing this mission. Dr. Alem Terefe CEO & Founder One Healthy Society International
Previous works
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