The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, has begun free anti-rabies mass vaccination campaign of dogs and cats in Nasarawa State.
Dr Chinyere Akujobi, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, disclosed this on Tuesday while flagging off a one week vaccination exercise in Akun Area Administrative Council of the state.
Akujobi, represented by Dr Samuel Anzaku, Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, said that the campaign was to eliminate rabies in the country by 2030.
“Recall that we recently marked the World Rabies Day on Sept. 28, a global event that brings nations and communities together to renew the fight against one of the deadliest, yet most preventable zoonotic diseases – rabies.
”The theme of this year’s commemoration, “You, Me and Community,” is especially relevant to our context.
“It reminds us that rabies elimination cannot be achieved by government efforts alone. It requires the active involvement of every citizen, policy makers, veterinarians, dog owners, hunters, teachers, parents and all members of the community.
“Rabies control is therefore a shared responsibility and a collective investment in the health and safety of our people,” she said.
The Permanent Secretary said that rabies continued to claim thousands of lives annually worldwide, with Africa and Asia bearing the greatest burden.
“Most victims are children under the age of 15, making rabies not just a health issue but also a tragedy for families and communities.
“The good news is that, rabies is entirely preventable chiefly through vaccination of dogs and cats which are the primary sources of human infections in our environment.
“This is why the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has prioritised rabies control under the One Health framework, working closely with human health, animal health, and environmental stakeholders,” she said.
Akujobi assured that the President Bola Tinubu-led administration remains committed and determined to eradicate it with one health approach.
“Today’s flag off is a continuation of the Honourable Minister’s initiative to intensify vaccination of dogs and cats against rabies,” she said.
According to Akujobi, the vaccination is a concrete step towards protecting citizens, saving lives, and advancing towards the global goal of zero human deaths from Dog-Mediated Rabies by 2030.
She disclosed that 26,000 doses of anti-rabies vaccines was procured for this first phase of mass dogs and cats vaccination.
Also speaking, Dr Musa Abdullahi, Director, Veterinary Service, Ministry of Agriculture, Nasarawa State, urged people of the state to bring their dogs for vaccination in the interest of their health.
“It is 100 per cent fatal but luckily, it is 100 per cent preventable,” he said.
The director restated the state government’s commitment to eliminate rabies through routine vaccination of dogs and others.
Mr Sule Allu, the Aren Agidi, and Chief Adams Nangba, the District Head of Wakama in Nasarawa State commended the Federal Government for the gesture.
They assured of their readiness to mobilise their people to take their dogs and cats for vaccination against rabies.
The traditional rulers prayed for God’s protection, good health and blessing to the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria’s passion for development.
On their parts, Dr George Uzoaga, National Coordinator , Rabies Control and Dr Lawal Ademola, member, National Technical Working Team on Elimination of Rabies in Nigeria, called for collective efforts and team work to eliminate rabies in the country.
They called on Nigerians to vaccinate their dogs to protect them and people around from rabies.
Responding, Mr Sunday Bako, one of the beneficiaries appreciated the Federal Government for the gesture and assured of their support at all times.
