Veterinary doctors have called for intensified efforts to break barriers and eradicate rabies in Nigeria, stressing the need for stronger collaboration between government, healthcare providers and communities.
They made the call on Monday in Abuja during the commemoration of 2024 World Rabies Day.
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 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.
President of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, Dr Chinna Joe-Irugbe, 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.
Ms Joe-Irugbe called for innovative strategies and collaboration across various 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, ensuring widespread vaccination, awareness, and access to medical care. 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 behaviour. She continued playing with it as usual, leading to her untimely death,” she recounted.
She urged the government to support efforts aimed at eradicating rabies by 2030.