In September, a total of 9,456 pets, comprising 8,210 dogs and 1,246 cats, were vaccinated as part of the nationwide rabies vaccination campaign. The Veterinary Services Directorate (VSD) aims to vaccinate 40,000 pets by the end of the initiative, leaving 30,544 pets still needing vaccination.
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The campaign is supported by private veterinary service providers and Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs). During a media event in Accra marking World Rabies Day on the theme “Stronger Together,” Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Emmanuel Allegye-Cudjoe emphasized that the initiative is aimed at eliminating dog-mediated human rabies deaths by 2030.
Dr. Allegye-Cudjoe, represented by Dr. Yaw Fenteng Danso, Head of Technical Services at the VSD, noted the introduction of a national pets vaccination card (NPVC) in January to improve vaccination tracking and standardize reporting across all regions. The VSD has reached 4,845,342 people with rabies prevention messages through multiple channels, including social media, traditional media, schools, and religious institutions.
He highlighted that public education must be coupled with actionable measures, especially the vaccination of pets and prompt treatment for animal bites, while also dispelling myths about rabies. Over 500 health personnel participated in a continuous development program organized by the Ghana Health Service aimed at improving the management of rabies cases.
Additionally, educational materials in local languages have been distributed to schools, health facilities, and communities to raise awareness about rabies prevention. Dr. Allegye-Cudjoe advised individuals bitten or scratched by animals to wash the wound thoroughly and seek medical attention without delay, cautioning against traditional remedies like using kolanut instead of proper medical treatment.
He reiterated that vaccinating dogs and cats is crucial in preventing rabies and encouraged pet owners to take advantage of the free vaccinations. Annual pet vaccinations are both a public health responsibility and a legal requirement under existing MMDA bye-laws.
Dr. Allegye-Cudjoe also called for enhanced collaboration among the Veterinary Services Directorate, the Ghana Health Service, MMDAs, civil society organizations, and pet owners to strengthen the fight against rabies. Dr. Benjamin Kissi Sasu, Risk Communication Officer with the VSD, urged pet owners to ensure their pets are vaccinated yearly and recommended that potential pet owners verify vaccination records before bringing animals home.