The theme of World Rabies Day 2024, “Breaking Rabies Boundaries”, highlights the critical importance of crossing borders to combat this disease, which remains a major public health challenge, particularly in rural Nigeria. Dr Oladotun Fadipe, Acting Registrar of the National Veterinary Council of Nigeria, recently highlighted in an interview the urgent need for concerted action to prevent and eradicate rabies, a 100% preventable disease.
The reality is alarming: children account for 40% of rabies victims, and despite existing policies, lack of funding and implementation is hampering progress. Dr Fadipe stressed the crucial role of financial investment to ensure that animals carrying the disease, particularly dogs, which are the main vectors of transmission, are vaccinated.
Rabies prevention is a major public health challenge, and Dr Fadipe calls for collective mobilization across sectors to achieve the ambitious goal of eradicating rabies by 2030. He also emphasizes the importance of public awareness and access to healthcare to ensure widespread and effective vaccination coverage.
This year’s theme, “Breaking Rabies Boundaries,” highlights the need for innovative strategies and fostering collaboration across different stakeholders and regions. It encourages an integrated approach to human, animal and environmental health, emphasizing the importance of overcoming geographical, socio-economic and educational barriers to ensure the success of rabies control efforts.
By breaking rabies boundaries, Nigeria can overcome the challenges of the disease and ensure widespread vaccination coverage, increased awareness and access to healthcare. This unified approach is essential to combating rabies, creating an environment where the disease no longer poses a threat to humans and animals.
The National Veterinary Council of Nigeria fully supports this year’s theme and stands ready to collaborate with all stakeholders to promote the concept of “One Health”. By implementing innovative strategies and fostering cooperation between governments, health organizations, veterinary services and communities, Nigeria can be on the path to eradicating rabies by 2030.