Veterinary doctors call for urgent action against rabies in Nigeria

Veterinary doctors have called for intensified efforts to break down barriers and eradicate rabies in Nigeria, stressing the need for stronger collaboration between government, healthcare providers and communities.

The doctors also called for increased public awareness, mass vaccination of animals, and the establishment of clear policies to tackle the spread of the disease.

The 2024 World Rabies Day theme, “Breaking Rabies Boundaries,” was chosen to highlight the need for progress and moving beyond the status quo.

The experts noted that rabies control programmes provided a strong model for implementing the One Health approach, which integrates human, animal and environmental health to address zoonotic diseases, including those with pandemic potential.

Dr Chinna Joe-Irugbe, President of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), highlighted the importance of awareness and sensitisation, particularly in rural areas.

“We know what rabies is all about, but out there, many people still don’t,” she said.

Joe-Irugbe called for innovative strategies and collaboration across various sectors and states, stressing the need to integrate human, animal and environmental health efforts.

“This unified approach is crucial in the fight against rabies, fostering a world where the disease is no longer a threat to both humans and animals,” she added.

She shared the tragic case of a six-year-old girl who died of rabies due to lack of information, communication and collaboration.

“This young girl, unaware of the danger, didn’t recognise the change in her dog’s behavior. She continued playing with it as usual, leading to her untimely death,” she stated.

She urged the government to support efforts aimed at eradicating rabies by 2030.

Dr Iherenma Okoli, Veterinary Consultant and Founder of the Kick Out Rabies Initiative, described rabies as a significant 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 annually,” she said.

Okoli attributed the high incidence to underreporting and insufficient diagnostic capabilities in the country.

Prof. Okechukwu Enem, another Veterinary Consultant, noted that children between the ages of five and 15 were most affected by rabies.

They highlighted the need for equality and stronger health systems, ensuring that One Health is accessible to all, not just a selected few.

By collaborating across sectors, engaging communities and committing to sustained dog vaccination campaigns, Nigeria can work towards the goal of eliminating rabies, using the disease as a model for broader One Health efforts.

The event was aimed at sensitising clinicians and informing the public about rabies, the symptoms and prevention strategies.