As the world marks World Rabies Day today, health and veterinary experts in Nigeria are warning that the country must step up mass dog vaccination if it is to end the deadly but preventable disease.
This year’s theme, “Act Now: You, Me, Community,” underscores the urgent need for collective responsibility.
Globally, rabies kills an estimated 59,000 people every year. Africa bears about 21,000 of those deaths, while Nigeria alone records between 1,000 and 2,000 human fatalities annually. Children under 15 remain the hardest hit.
Experts note that over 99% of infections in humans come from dog bites, mostly from free-roaming and hunting dogs that transmit the virus from wildlife to households. To break the cycle, at least 70% of Nigeria’s dog population must be vaccinated — a target that remains unmet in many communities.
Veterinary surgeon Bala Muhammed (FCVSN) urged citizens, policymakers, and local authorities to treat rabies as a shared responsibility. “Timely wound washing and access to PEP save lives, but prevention through vaccination is far cheaper and more effective. Communities, government, and NGOs must close the gaps now,” he said.
Stakeholders are calling for free or subsidized vaccination campaigns, mobile clinics, stronger surveillance, and school-based education to protect children and raise awareness. They also want stricter enforcement of pet registration and containment rules.
The commemoration serves as a reminder that rabies is 100% preventable — but only if action is collective, consistent, and immediate.