The Federal Government has declared a renewed commitment to combat rabies, aiming to eliminate the disease by 2030 in accordance with global health targets.

Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, stated this at a Joint Ministerial Press Briefing held on World Rabies Day 2025, themed ‘Act Now: You, Me, Community’, yesterday in Abuja.

Maiha emphasized the urgency of addressing rabies, stating, “Rabies remains one of the deadliest zoonotic diseases affecting Nigerians.”

He assured that the government is determined to eradicate it through a One Health approach.

The minister added, “Government alone cannot win this battle. It requires you, me, and our communities working hand in hand. Together, we can make Nigeria rabies-free.”

He further highlighted ongoing nationwide vaccination campaigns for dogs and cats and reiterated efforts to strengthen veterinary services in underserved communities.

“Our approach is deliberate: to ensure that no family suffers the needless pain of losing a loved one to rabies,” he added.

He also stressed the significance of partnerships in achieving the goal of zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030, calling on state governments, local councils, veterinary professionals, and community leaders to support the national rabies elimination plan.

In his remarks, Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammed Pate, pledged continued support to efforts at eliminating the disease.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Chinyere Akujobi, represented by Stephen Ohaeri, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, noted that rabies is nearly 100 per cent fatal once symptoms appear but completely preventable through vaccination and responsible pet ownership.

She said, “We will not relent until rabies is eliminated from our borders. The health of our animals is directly tied to the well-being of our people.”

International partners, professional associations, and civil society representatives commended Nigeria’s leadership in mass vaccination campaigns and pledged technical support and increased access to vaccines for the anti-rabies initiative.

World Rabies Day 2025 served as a platform to raise awareness about rabies prevention and showcase the government’s strategic plan towards achieving a rabies-free Nigeria, bringing together veterinary professionals, health experts, academia, and the media. (The Guardian)