The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has begun a free anti-rabies mass vaccination for dogs and cats in Nasarawa State.

Chinyere Akujobi, the ministry’s permanent secretary, disclosed this on Tuesday while flagging off a one-week vaccination exercise in the Akun Area Administrative Council.

Ms Akujobi, represented by Samuel Anzaku, chief veterinary officer of Nigeria, said the campaign was to eliminate rabies in the country by 2030.

“Recall that we recently marked World Rabies Day on September 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.

Stating that this year’s theme was “You, Me, and Community,” Ms Akujobi stressed that eliminating rabies required the active involvement of every citizen.

The permanent secretary said 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,” Ms Akujobi stated.

She stated that rabies was preventable through the vaccination of dogs and cats, adding, “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.”

Ms Akujobi assured that the President Bola Tinubu-led administration remains committed and determined to eradicate it with a one-health approach.

She disclosed that 26,000 doses of anti-rabies vaccines were procured for this first phase of mass dog and cat vaccination.

Musa Abdullahi, the director of veterinary service at the Ministry of Agriculture, Nasarawa State, urged people 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 reiterated the state government’s commitment to eliminating rabies through routine vaccination of dogs and other animals.

Sule Allu, the Aren Agidi, and Adams Nangba, the district head of Wakama in Nasarawa State, commended the federal government for the gesture.

George Uzoaga, national coordinator of rabies control, and Lawal Ademola, member of the National Technical Working Team on Elimination of Rabies in Nigeria, called for collective efforts and teamwork to eliminate rabies in the country.

Sunday Bako, one of the beneficiaries, appreciated the federal government for the gesture.

(NAN)