By Felicia Imohimi
The Blueblood Veterinary Services has recommended stronger integrated surveillance linking veterinary and human health systems in the prevention, eradication of rabies and its avoidable human deaths in Nigeria.
The Director, Blueblood Vet Ltd., Dr Bala Muhammed, made the recommendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday, in commemoration of the World Rabies Day.
NAN reports that World Rabies Day is commemorated annually on September 28, and the 2026 edition has the theme “Stronger Together”.
Muhammed said that the day should be commemorated with a renewed commitment to preventing every avoidable rabies death rather than a day of remembrance.
He advised that every dog bite should be reported, investigated and used as an opportunity to prevent further transmission.
The director emphasised that sustained mass vaccination of dogs must remain at the centre of rabies control to break rabies transmission at its source and protect the entire communities.
According to him, Nigeria must move from responding to outbreaks to preventing them.
He identified rabies as one of the world’s most tragic public-health paradoxes with almost 100 per cent fatal once clinical symptoms appear.
He said that it was therefore imperative that a post-exposure prophylaxis must be available and accessible.
”Anyone bitten or scratched by a potentially rabid animal should immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water and seek urgent medical care.
“No Nigerian should die because lifesaving treatment is unavailable, unaffordable or delayed.
“The global zero by 30 goal to end human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030 is ambitious, but achievable with sustained political commitment and community action.
“Responsible dog ownership, vaccination, avoiding contact with unfamiliar animals and promptly reporting bites can save lives.
“Schools, traditional institutions, religious organisations and the media can help make this knowledge widespread,” he said.
Speaking on the year’s theme Muhammed stressed the need for dogs to be vaccinated, while people, particularly children should be protected, bite treated, cases reported, and surveillance strengthened.
“This is because rabies may be fatal after symptoms appear, but rabies deaths are preventable. That is the true meaning of ‘Stronger Together’, he said.
The director, who described the theme as particularly relevant to Nigeria, emphasised that rabies does not respect the boundaries between human health, animal health and communities.
He noted that its prevention required veterinarians, medical doctors or human medics, government agencies, dog owners, community leaders, schools, the media and international partners to work together.
”This is the essence of the ‘One Health’ approach,” he added.
He noted that the recent rabies outbreak in Nigerian demonstrated the urgency.
Speaking on rabies incidence in the country Muhammed said that in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), authorities have confirmed eight rabies cases and two deaths in the Gwagwalada and Kwali Area Councils in 2026.
“In Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau, 25 rabies cases and 12 deaths were reported in 2025 including three members of a family. These are not mere statistics. Behind every number is a person, a family and a community.
“The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that rabies causes about 59,000 deaths globally each year, with dogs responsible for approximately 99 per cent of human rabies infections.
“WHO has also cited an estimated 10,000 annual rabies deaths in Nigeria, while acknowledging that inadequate surveillance means the true burden may be higher.
“On World Rabies Day, let us remember those we have lost, but let remembrance become action,”Muhammed said.
He urged the media to move the conversation beyond reporting deaths.
According to him, when a rabies case occurs, inquire whether the dog is vaccinated, was post-exposure treatment available? How many other bites occurred? Was the animal tested? What is being done to prevent another case?(NAN)(NAN)
FUA/DCO
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