As the world marks the 18th World Rabies Day on Saturday, global health organizations have called for increased rabies vaccination in both humans and animals.
Rabies is a viral infection that is transmitted primarily through the saliva of infected animals, often through bites.
Although a preventable disease, rabies remains a life-threatening disease in many parts of Africa over the years, especially among those living in rural and remote areas of the continent.
The call to increase vaccination was made in a joint statement released on Friday to mark World Rabies Day 2024, with the theme: “Breaking the boundaries of rabies.”
The declaration was signed by some organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) and the World Alliance for Rabies Control.
World Rabies Day is celebrated annually on September 28, marking the anniversary of the death of Louis Pasteur, the scientist who developed the first rabies vaccine.
The day serves as a platform to raise awareness about the prevention and control of rabies, a deadly but preventable viral disease that affects both humans and animals.
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Speaking on the elimination of the zoonotic virus, the agencies said government agencies and stakeholders around the world must come together to combat rabies, particularly in regions where the disease remains endemic, such as Africa.
According to the statement, the year's theme, “Breaking the Boundaries of Rabies,” highlights the need to overcome persistent barriers preventing the eradication of this preventable but deadly disease.
The agencies said greater cooperation at international, national and subnational levels is crucial to the elimination of the virus that is responsible for the deaths of thousands of people each year.
New prevention tools
The group also called for the adoption of new tools and strategies that will improve rabies prevention and control efforts at local, national, regional and international levels.
The statement reads in part: “Adopting relevant tools will enable countries to make data-driven decisions and policies, as well as monitor and measure the impact of interventions.
“Breaking the limits that limit programmatic expansion will allow us to guarantee broader and more effective rabies vaccination campaigns, both in humans and animals.
“For example, mass dog vaccinations supported by the WOAH vaccine bank in several African countries and FAO support to strengthen animal systems in almost all African countries have demonstrated how community-driven programs can be scaled up to achieve broader impact,” the statement reads. part.”
Global health bodies also called on African countries to increase public awareness and education about rabies, noting that this is a key element of rabies elimination.
Facts about rabies infection.
Rabies is a neglected tropical disease that primarily affects poor and vulnerable communities, especially those residing in isolated rural areas.
It occurs in more than 150 countries and territories around the world. In Nigeria, where several cases have been reported, the disease is transmitted by dogs, especially stray and unvaccinated pets.
Data shows that the infection causes tens of thousands of deaths each year, mainly in Asia and Africa. Children are the group most susceptible to rabies.
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Experts say they are at the highest risk of exposure because they frequently fall victim to animal bites, due to their small size, playful nature and tendency to provoke animals.
Rabies is estimated to cause 59,000 human deaths each year in more than 150 countries, with 95 percent of these cases occurring in Africa and Asia, according to the WHO.
Despite its prevalence, this disease remains highly underreported in Nigeria. According to one study, only 998 human cases were reported between 2017 and 2022. Additionally, only 273 suspected cases of rabies in dogs were reported during this period.
However, the case fatality rate (CFR) of rabies is almost 100 percent once symptoms appear. Rabies is almost always fatal at this stage, making it one of the deadliest infectious diseases.
Early intervention through vaccination and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is crucial to prevent the onset of symptoms.
Initial symptoms of rabies include fever with pain and unusual or unexplained tingling, stinging, or burning sensations (paresthesia) at the site of the wound.
Nigeria commits
Meanwhile, Nigeria's Ministry of Health and Welfare has reaffirmed its commitment to drive coordinated efforts against neglected tropical diseases such as rabies.
On Saturday, the ministry, in a post on X, said rabies poses a serious public health challenge to the country that must be addressed.
He stated that rabies transmission will be addressed using the “One Health approach” and in collaboration with the veterinary, environmental and other key sectors.
The statement reads in part: “Together with local and international partners, we will enhance surveillance, vaccination campaigns and awareness programs, targeting vulnerable communities to ensure that all Nigerians are informed about prevention and treatment options.
“As we commemorate World Rabies Day this year, our ministry is dedicated to breaking the cycle of rabies transmission, promoting responsible pet ownership, and ensuring no more lives are lost to this preventable disease. Let us unite to make Nigeria rabies-free.”