By Tokunbo2
Copyright thesun
From Godwin Tsa, Abuja
The Federal Government has flagged-off the 2025 National Mass Anti-Rabies Vaccination Campaign, as part of activities to commemorate World Rabies Day.
Speaking at the ceremony in Abuja, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha announced the procurement of 26,000 doses of anti-rabies vaccines, which he said will be deployed immediately to eight states, Lagos, Gombe, Bauchi, Plateau, Cross River, Kano, Osun, and the FCT, with the highest reported rabies cases in the last six month months.
He disclosed that Africa and Asia bear the greatest burden of rabies globally, with thousands of deaths recorded each year.
Most of the victims, he noted, are children under the age of 15, a reality that turns this entirely preventable disease into a recurring tragedy for families and communities.
The event took place today at the Old Parade Ground, Abuja, with dignitaries, top government officials, representatives of development partners, and members of the press in attendance.
Maiha said the theme of this year’s World Rabies Day “You, Me and the Community,” underscores the shared responsibility required to eliminate rabies in Nigeria.
He commended the collaboration of the One Health Ministries (Livestock Development, Health and Social Welfare, and Environment) who in 2022 listed rabies as one of the seven prioritized zoonoses and appreciated state veterinary services, private veterinarians, researchers, academia, development partners, and community leaders for their strong support.
“Rabies elimination cannot be achieved by government efforts alone. It requires the active involvement of every citizen – policy makers, veterinarians, dog owners, hunters, teachers, parents, and indeed all members of the community,” the Minister said.
The Minister assured that the Federal Government, in collaboration with partners and stakeholders, remains firmly committed to achieving the global target of zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by the year 2030.
To demonstrate this commitment, the Maiha announced the procurement of 26,000 doses of anti-rabies vaccines, which will be deployed immediately, especially to eight states, Lagos, Gombe, Bauchi, Plateau, Cross River, Kano, Osun, and the FCT, with the highest reported rabies cases in the last six month months.
According to him, vaccines will also be allocated to 11 Veterinary Teaching Hospitals and three Federal Colleges of Animal Health and Production Technology across the country, just as Ministry will be deploying technology to capture, in real time, all vaccinated dogs and cats.
Earlier in her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Chinyere Akujobi, who was represented by the Director, Planning Research and Statistics, Mr. Stephen Ohaeri, reiterated that the 2025 commemoration of World Rabies Day, is a call to action for individuals, government, and communities.
She also expressed the Ministry’s gratitude to partners and frontline workers for their dedication to rabies prevention and urged all stakeholders to continue to play part to ensuring that the Rabies Disease becomes history in Nigeria.
The Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, Dr. Muhammed Inuwa, represented by the Director and Head of Public Health and Epidemiology, Dr. Samuel Anzaku, in his welcome address, expressed optimism that the flag-off would translate into action, while the National Project Coordinator for L-PRES, Dr. Sanusi Abubakar, pledged collaboration with the Ministry to scale up vaccination programmes nationwide.
Goodwill messages were delivered by partners and stakeholders including the FCT Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Idris Ademoh and Dr. Bala Mohammed of Blue Blood Veterinary Services, who pledged unwavering support and collaboration with the Ministry to scale up vaccination efforts and strengthen Nigeria’s fight against rabies.
