Good Development and Accountability Advocacy group is sounding the alarm on the dangers of rabies in Nigeria.
The group’s president, Chukwunazom Cyra Obi who gave the warning in Umuahia, Abia State during the World Rabies Day celebration in the state warned that rabies pose a significant threat to humanity.
Obi emphasized the importance of vaccinating dogs and cats against the disease.
He further stated that consuming dog meat infected with rabies can be fatal, making prevention crucial.
Obi stressed that vaccination of dogs remains the most cost-effective way to prevent rabies in people.
He also emphasized the need for education and awareness campaigns to inform the public about rabies control and prevention, as well as effective dog population management to control the number of stray dogs.
He said the group has been actively working to address the issue in Abia State, arresting stray dogs on the streets of Umuahia and conducting sensitization campaigns about the dangers of rabies.
Obi called on governments at all levels to work towards eliminating rabies by 2030, aligning with the World Health Organization’s global strategic plan to end human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030.