The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating rabies in Nigeria by 2030, calling for stronger collaboration across sectors to scale up mass dog vaccination, surveillance and access to post-exposure prophylaxis nationwide.
Gatekeepers News reports that Dr Chinyere Akujobi, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, made the call at the 2026 World Rabies Day Symposium, themed “Stronger Together,” held on Monday in Abuja.
Akujobi described rabies as a devastating but entirely preventable public health challenge, warning that the disease is virtually 100 per cent fatal once clinical symptoms develop.
She noted that dogs account for more than 99 per cent of human rabies deaths globally, stressing the need for preventive measures to protect lives.
“Rabies deaths can be prevented through responsible animal ownership, vaccination, timely access to post-exposure prophylaxis, and effective surveillance,” she said.
The permanent secretary disclosed that the ministry procured 26,000 doses of rabies vaccines last year and was acquiring additional supplies to support a coordinated national vaccination plan.
She urged state and local governments, traditional leaders and dog owners to participate actively in annual mass vaccination campaigns to strengthen efforts to eliminate the disease.
Veterinary Chief Calls for One Health Approach
Also speaking, Dr Samuel Anzaku, Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, advocated a coordinated One Health approach involving the veterinary, human health and environmental sectors to tackle rabies.
Anzaku identified inadequate vaccination coverage, limited access to treatment, weak surveillance systems and insufficient funding as major challenges undermining rabies control in Nigeria.
He, however, said the challenges presented opportunities for innovative, evidence-based interventions to advance the country’s efforts towards achieving rabies-free status.
WHO, Partners Pledge Support for Rabies Elimination
In their goodwill messages, representatives of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Federal Ministry of Health pledged support for Nigeria’s rabies elimination efforts.
The WHO emphasised the urgent need to protect children, who constitute a significant proportion of rabies victims.
Meanwhile, the Core Group Partners Project reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening community-based surveillance and promoting vaccine demand at the grassroots level.
