By George Omagbemi
As the world marks World Rabies Day on September 28, 2026, Nigeria faces an uncomfortable reality: a disease that is almost entirely preventable continues to threaten lives.
Under this year’s theme, “Stronger Together,” the World Health Organisation is calling for coordinated action involving governments, communities, health workers and veterinary professionals.
Nigeria has recorded more than 100 rabies cases between January and August 2026, according to figures disclosed by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development. Cases have been reported across the country, with between 18 and 20 states recording cases in some months.
The warning is serious because once clinical symptoms of rabies appear, the disease is almost invariably fatal. Yet deaths can be prevented when exposed persons receive prompt post-exposure treatment. WHO says about 99 per cent of human rabies cases are linked to infected dogs.
This means Nigeria’s response cannot stop at commemorative speeches and annual awareness campaigns.
Mass vaccination of dogs, responsible animal ownership, effective surveillance, accessible post-exposure prophylaxis and rapid reporting of suspected cases must become sustained public-health priorities.
The Federal Ministry has set its sights on eliminating dog-mediated human rabies by 2030, including a target of vaccinating about 70 per cent of Nigeria’s dog population.
The message on World Rabies Day is therefore clear: rabies does not need to claim another Nigerian life. Prevention is possible, but prevention requires action before the bite becomes a tragedy.
Leave a Reply