_1137.png)
Breaking News
Make your preference count — choose Punch.Add Punch on Google Rabies: Vaccinate dogs or lose lives Opinion September 25, 2026 12:03 am
Rabies. Credit: passporthealthusa.com Ifeoluwapo Akanbi Kindly share this story:
Recently, eight cases of human rabies were reported in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. Rabies remains one of the most devastating yet preventable diseases affecting Nigerians. Every year, children and adults are exposed to potentially rabid animals, particularly dogs, and some eventually lose their lives to a disease that is almost invariably fatal once clinical signs appear. The tragedy is not simply that people are dying from rabies. The greater tragedy is that these deaths are preventable. Rabies prevention should no longer be treated as an occasional public health campaign. It should be regarded as a sustained investment in the health and well-being of Nigerians. One of the most effective ways to prevent human rabies is through mass vaccination of dogs. Since dogs account for most human rabies infections, keeping the dog population adequately vaccinated protects not only animals but also the people who live with and around them. Yet, dog vaccination is often viewed primarily as the responsibility of individual dog owners. While responsible pet ownership matters, rabies control requires a broader approach. The government, non-governmental organisations, professional associations, private organisations, communities, and individuals all have roles to play. The government must provide the leadership, policies, funding, and infrastructure required for sustainable rabies control. Local governments should support regular dog vaccination campaigns, strengthen surveillance, and ensure that people exposed to suspected rabid animals can promptly access appropriate post-exposure care.See more Punch stories on Google.Add Punch on Google The government cannot do it alone. Non-governmental organisations play an important role in bringing rabies education and prevention programmes to communities that might otherwise be missed. NGOs can support school-based awareness programmes, community outreach, vaccination campaigns, advocacy, and innovative communication strategies that make rabies prevention understandable and accessible. Professional and community associations should also see rabies prevention as part of their social responsibility. Veterinary, medical, and animal health organisations, youth groups, and other relevant bodies can use their networks to promote responsible animal ownership, vaccination, and appropriate responses to animal bites. Individuals must also invest in the fight against rabies. Investment does not necessarily mean making a large financial donation. It can mean ensuring your dog is vaccinated, seeking immediate medical attention after an animal bite, teaching children to avoid unfamiliar animals, reporting stray and suspected rabid animals, or supporting a community vaccination programme. We must also change the way we respond to dog bites. Never dismiss a bite simply because the wound appears small. Potential rabies exposure requires prompt assessment by qualified health professionals. Delays and assumptions that a familiar or apparently healthy dog cannot transmit rabies can have fatal consequences. Related News Stigma, GBV threaten HIV control, Lagos agency warns Sokoto alerts schools over diphtheria outbreak Open up land access to tackle housing deficit, valuers urge FG Public education is, therefore, as important as vaccination. People need to understand how rabies is transmitted, how to prevent animal bites, what to do immediately after a bite, and where to seek appropriate care. Children who are particularly vulnerable to dog bites should be reached through schools, religious organisations, community groups, and other platforms where they can learn practical safety messages. My years of public health education and advocacy have repeatedly shown me that knowledge can save lives when it is translated into action. Rabies education should, therefore, move beyond occasional campaigns around World Rabies Day (September 28). It should become a continuous component of community health education. Nigeria must also embrace the One Health approach, recognising that human, animal, and environmental health are interconnected. Veterinary professionals, medical practitioners, environmental health professionals, educators, policymakers, researchers, NGOs, and communities must work together rather than operating in isolation. The investment required to prevent rabies is far less than the social and emotional cost of losing a child or adult to a disease that could have been prevented. This is why government, NGOs, professional associations, private organisations, philanthropists, community leaders, and individuals should all invest in rabies prevention. Such investment should support dog vaccination, public education, surveillance, research, responsible dog ownership, and access to life-saving post-exposure care. We should not wait for another child to die before taking action. Nigeria has the knowledge, professionals, and tools required to prevent most human rabies deaths. What is needed is sustained commitment, adequate investment, and coordinated action. Rabies is preventable. Every life lost to rabies is a painful reminder of what happens when prevention is neglected. The time to invest in prevention is before the next bite, not after the next death. Dr Ifeoluwapo Akanbi is a veterinary public health consultant.
Kindly share this story: All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. Contact: [email protected]
See more Punch stories on Google.Add Punch on Google
Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The Punch Newspaper on WhatsApp for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don't miss a headline – join now! Join The Punch Newspapers Channel
Stay in the know—fast. Get instant alerts, breaking headlines, and exclusive stories with the Punch News App. Download now and never miss a beat. Get the Punch News App
