The Nigerian government is urging dog owners to take responsibility for their pets by ensuring they receive regular vaccinations. This initiative is part of a sensitization campaign aimed at eliminating human deaths caused by dog-triggered rabies by the year 2030. Rabies is mainly transmitted through dog saliva when it comes into contact with broken skin, affecting the body's central nervous system.
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The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development reported over 100 cases of animal rabies across 16 states between January and August 2026, underscoring the disease's prevalence in the country. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, the permanent secretary at the ministry, emphasized the need for collective action. "Protecting communities from rabies requires everyone to play a part. We must stop working in silos and continue to educate families, encourage responsible animal ownership, and work together to reduce risks in our communities," she stated.
Nigeria has adopted a One Health approach that integrates human, animal, and environmental health sectors to address rabies. Dorcas Mernyi, a One Health officer at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, highlighted the importance of immediate treatment following a dog bite. She stated, "No one should die from rabies simply because they did not know what to do after a dog bite or could not access treatment. We must ensure health workers recognize possible exposure immediately and that patients receive appropriate care without delay."
Alexander Chimbaru, the WHO Emergency Preparedness and Response Cluster Lead in Nigeria, stressed that preventing rabies-related deaths requires teamwork among all citizens. He said, "Ending human deaths from dog-mediated rabies requires sustained collaboration between government, health and veterinary professionals, communities, and dog owners. Every dog vaccinated, every exposure reported early, and every person who receives timely care takes us closer to the 2030 goal."
The statement also noted that the World Health Organization will assist Nigeria in rabies investigations and response efforts. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention advises anyone bitten or scratched by an animal to wash the wound with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes and to seek medical attention without delay. Victims are urged not to wait for symptoms before getting treatment.