Veterinarians called for increased efforts to break down barriers and eradicate rabies in Nigeria, stressing the need for stronger collaboration between government, health care providers and communities.
They made the call on Monday in Abuja to commemorate World Rabies Day 2024.
They also called for increased public awareness, mass vaccination of animals and the establishment of clear policies to tackle the spread of the disease.
The theme for World Rabies Day 2024, “Breaking the Limits on Rabies”, was chosen to highlight the need to challenge the status quo and make progress.
Experts say rabies control programs offer a powerful model for implementing a One Health approach that integrates human, animal and environmental health to combat zoonotic diseases, including the potential for pandemics. He pointed out that it would be provided.
Dr. Chinna Joe Ilugbe, President, Nigerian Veterinary Association, emphasized the importance of awareness and sensitization, especially in rural areas.
“We know what rabies is, but there are still many people overseas who don’t know,” she says.
Ms. Joe Ilugbe called for innovative strategies and collaboration across sectors and states, stressing the need to integrate 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. This unified approach will help combat rabies. “It is vitally important in the fight and promotes a world where rabies is no longer a threat to both humans and animals,” she added.
She shared the tragic case of a 6-year-old girl who died from rabies due to lack of information, communication and cooperation.
“This girl was unaware of the danger and did not notice any changes in her dog’s behavior. She continued to play with it as usual, leading to its untimely death,” she said.
She called on the government to support efforts to eliminate rabies by 2030.
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 known diseases and remains one of the deadliest, with approximately 10,000 cases reported each year,” she said.
Ms Okoli attributed the high incidence to under-reporting and inadequate diagnostic capacity in the country.
Another veterinary consultant, Professor Okechukwu Enem, noted that children between the ages of five and 15 are most susceptible to rabies.
“The incubation period for rabies is usually two to three months, but this depends on the point of entry of the virus and the viral load,” Enem explained.
Experts speaking on the sidelines of the event emphasized the importance of vaccinations available for both humans and animals.
They emphasized equality and the need for stronger health systems to ensure One Health is accessible to all, not just a select few.
By collaborating across sectors, engaging communities, and continuing to work on dog vaccination campaigns, Nigeria is moving towards its goal of eliminating rabies, using rabies as a model for broader One Health efforts. You can work on it.
The event aimed to increase clinician awareness and inform the public about rabies, symptoms, and prevention strategies.
According to the World Health Organization, approximately 5,000 people die from rabies each year worldwide.
(South)
