The Federal Government on Monday unveiled 26,000 doses of anti-rabies vaccines as part of efforts to eliminate rabies in Nigeria.
The move came during the flag-off of the 2025 National Mass Anti-Rabies Vaccination Campaign in Abuja, held to commemorate World Rabies Day.
Speaking at the Old Parade Ground, the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, said the campaign reflects government’s commitment to protecting lives and eradicating the disease. He stressed that the year’s theme, “You, Me and the Community,” underscores the shared responsibility required to eliminate rabies.
“Rabies elimination cannot be achieved by government efforts alone. It requires the active involvement of every citizen – policy makers, veterinarians, dog owners, hunters, teachers, parents, and indeed all members of the community,” Maiha said.
The Minister noted that Africa and Asia carry the greatest burden of rabies globally, with thousands of deaths recorded annually, mostly children under the age of 15. He described the disease as “an entirely preventable tragedy” that continues to devastate families and communities.
To demonstrate commitment, Maiha announced the immediate deployment of 26,000 vaccine doses to states with the highest number of cases in the last six months. These include Lagos, Gombe, Bauchi, Plateau, Cross River, Kano, Osun, and the Federal Capital Territory. Vaccines will also be distributed to 11 Veterinary Teaching Hospitals and three Federal Colleges of Animal Health and Production Technology nationwide.
According to him, the Ministry will deploy technology to capture, in real time, all vaccinated dogs and cats. He assured that the Federal Government, working with partners, is determined to achieve the global target of zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Chinyere Akujobi, represented by Mr. Stephen Ohaeri, described the 2025 commemoration as a “call to action for individuals, government, and communities.” She thanked partners and frontline workers for their dedication and urged all stakeholders to play their part to ensure rabies is eliminated from Nigeria.
Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, Dr. Muhammed Inuwa, represented by Dr. Samuel Anzaku, said the campaign’s flag-off would translate into concrete action. National Project Coordinator for L-PRES, Dr. Sanusi Abubakar, pledged support to scale up vaccination programmes nationwide.
Goodwill messages came from the FCT Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Idris Ademoh, and Dr. Bala Mohammed of Blue Blood Veterinary Services. Both pledged unwavering support and collaboration with the Ministry to strengthen the fight against rabies.
