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Stakeholders are calling for increased efforts to eliminate rabies in Nigeria, and for stronger collaboration between government, health care providers and local communities.
The call to action was launched in Abuja to commemorate World Rabies Day and focuses on raising public awareness, mass vaccination of animals and establishing clear policies to curb the spread of the deadly disease. It’s dark.
The theme of World Rabies Day 2024 is ‘Breaking the Lines on Rabies’, highlighting the progress made in tackling this disease and the need to challenge the status quo. Experts attending the event said the rabies control program is designed to implement a One Health approach that integrates human, animal and environmental health to combat zoonotic diseases, including the potential for pandemics. The company emphasized that it will provide a model for
Dr. Chinna Joe Ilugbe, President, Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), stressed the importance of public awareness, especially in rural areas. “We know what rabies is, but many people still don’t,” she says. Joe Ilugbe called for innovative strategies and cross-sector collaboration, stressing the importance of integrating human, animal and environmental health efforts. “By breaking boundaries, we can overcome geographic, socio-economic and educational barriers to ensure widespread vaccination, awareness and access to health care.”
She told the tragic story of a six-year-old girl who died from rabies due to lack of information and awareness. “The girl was unaware of the change in her dog’s behavior and continued playing with it, leading to its untimely death.”
Dr. Iheremma Okoli, a veterinary consultant and founder of the Rabies Elimination Initiative, said rabies is a major public health challenge in Nigeria. “Rabies is one of the oldest and most deadly diseases, with approximately 10,000 cases reported annually,” she points out, explaining that the high incidence is due to underreporting and insufficient diagnostic capacity. It was pointed out that this was caused by.
Another veterinary consultant, Professor Okechukwu Enem, stressed that children between the ages of five and 15 are most susceptible to rabies. “The incubation period is usually two to three months, but this depends on the point of entry of the virus and the viral load,” he explained.
Experts attending the event emphasized that vaccination of both humans and animals plays an important role in the fight against rabies. They also emphasized the need for stronger health systems and equitable access to One Health solutions. By engaging communities, collaborating across sectors, and continuing our canine vaccination campaign, Nigeria can work to eliminate rabies and use it as a model for broader public health efforts. .
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports approximately 5,000 rabies-related deaths worldwide each year.
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