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.

A veterinary consultant and founder of the Kick Out Rabies Initiative, Dr Iherenma Okoli, 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.

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

Another veterinary consultant, Prof. Okechukwu Enem, noted that children between ages five and 15 were most affected by rabies.

“The incubation period for rabies is typically between two to three months, but this can vary depending on the virus entry point and viral load,” Mr Enem explained.

The experts, who spoke on the sidelines of the event, emphasised the importance of vaccination, which was available for both humans and animals.

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 of rabies, symptoms and prevention strategies.

According to the World Health Organisation, approximately 5,000 people die annually from rabies worldwide. 

(NAN)