The Nigeria Veterinary Medical Association, Anambra State Chapter, has begun massive enlightenment campaign against the dreaded rabies disease in secondary schools across the state.
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Chairman of the Association, Dr Ifeanyi Obi, flagging off the campaign at St. John of God Secondary school, Awka, as part of activities line up to commemorate World Rabies Day.
He said, they considered it worthy to sensitize students on the need for vaccination of dogs against rabies virus.
“We decided to stage the campaign in schools as a means to reach out to thousands of homes to achieve a better result.This is the 17th year we are doing this and we want to make sure dog and cat owners vaccinate them as and when due to reduce rabies virus.”
While describing the theme for this year’s commemoration, “All For One, One Health For All.”
He called for collaborative effort by stakeholders and medical professionals to stamp out the disease by 2030 in line with the target of World Health Organisation (WHO).
He, then, reminded dog owners of the grave consequences of not vaccinating their dogs, warning that such persons would be prosecuted according to the law in the event of transmission of the disease to human through a bit by their dogs.
Contributing, Secretary of the Association,Dr Chukwunonso Umeononigwe,said the event was staged to create awareness about the disease,mode of transmission, treatment and preventive measures.
“Globally,the easiest way to prevent the disease is through vaccination of dogs and cats.When you vaccinate the dogs,human beings around them are protected against the disease.
“Statistically speaking,50,000 people are affected globally and out the number over 25,000 of them are in Africa.So,there is a mandate to eradicate the disease by 2030,that is why we are launching an intense campaign to do away with rabies in the state.”
The Principal of the School,Lady Joy Nwafor, described the event as highly impactful and called for it to be a regular exercise to enable more youths benefit from it.
While commending members of the association for sustaining the campaign,she urged the students to step down knowledge garnered to their various homes and localities.
