The government of Enugu State has launched the Zero Rabies Campaign, urging dog owners to ensure their pets are promptly vaccinated to prevent the spread of this deadly disease.
At the event, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-industrialisation, Patrick Uburu, emphasised that rabies is one of the most preventable yet devastating diseases impacting both human and animal health.
Uburu highlighted that the state government cannot permit the ongoing transmission of rabies. He explained that this campaign, organised in collaboration with the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), is a key initiative by Governor Peter Mbah’s administration to safeguard the health and well-being of both people and animals.
He assured attendees that the government would provide the necessary resources to support the campaign. He also called on individuals, families, and communities to ensure their dogs are vaccinated and urged community leaders, religious organisations, and educators to raise awareness about the dangers of rabies to halt its spread in Enugu State.
“The ‘Zero Rabies in Enugu’ campaign is not merely an initiative; it is a rallying cry to all stakeholders in our society.
“Through this campaign, the Enugu State Government, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Industrialization and the NVMA, is taking significant steps to ensure the health and safety of our citizens and animals.
“This initiative aligns with the global objective of eradicating human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030.
“I am particularly heartened by the collaborative approach of this initiative. The involvement of government agencies, veterinary professionals, community leaders, and international partners highlights the importance of a united front in addressing public health challenges.
“I urge pet owners to vaccinate their animals and to motivate others to do the same. Community leaders, religious organisations, and educators need to help disseminate information about the dangers of rabies and prevention strategies,” Mbah stated.
Furthermore, Chidiebere Iloh, the State NVMA chairman, noted that the Zero Rabies campaign supports the global strategy aimed at achieving zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030—a vision that requires the collective effort of the government, professionals, and the community.
Iloh pointed out that rabies remains a global public health concern, with over 99 per cent of human deaths attributed to dog bites, predominantly in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria.
He revealed that veterinarians in the state are ready to offer technical expertise in mass dog vaccination, both in urban areas and rural communities throughout Enugu State.
“The partnership between the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Industrialization and the NVMA demonstrates a shared commitment to safeguarding human and animal health in our state.
“By embracing the One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health efforts, we are establishing a foundation for sustainable rabies prevention and control.
“The NVMA is proud to lead this initiative.
“However, the success of this campaign requires not only technical expertise but also the active participation of community leaders, pet owners, and all citizens of Enugu State,” Iloh concluded.
