FG Flags Off National Anti-Rabies Vaccination, Targets Elimination by 2030
By Onwe Wisdom| Pan Afric Reporters
The Federal Government has launched the 2025 National Mass Anti-Rabies Vaccination Campaign with a firm pledge to eliminate rabies in Nigeria by 2030.
The flag-off ceremony, held on Monday at the Old Parade Ground in Abuja to commemorate World Rabies Day, brought together dignitaries, top government officials, development partners, and members of the press.
In his keynote address, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha according to a press release e-signed by the ministry’s Director Press and Public Relations, Ben Bem Goong stressed the importance of joint action against rabies, noting that this year’s theme, “You, Me and the Community,” underscores shared responsibility.
“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 lamented that Africa and Asia bear the greatest burden of rabies globally, with children under 15 making up most of the victims. “This reality,” he said, “turns an entirely preventable disease into a recurring tragedy for families and communities.”
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to the global target of zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030, Maiha announced the immediate deployment of 26,000 doses of anti-rabies vaccines. These will be distributed first to states with the highest reported rabies cases in the last six months – Lagos, Gombe, Bauchi, Plateau, Cross River, Kano, Osun, and the FCT.
He added that vaccines would also go to 11 Veterinary Teaching Hospitals and three Federal Colleges of Animal Health and Production Technology, while technology would be used to track all vaccinated dogs and cats in real time.
Earlier, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Chinyere Akujobi, represented by Mr. Stephen Ohaeri, described the campaign as a “call to action for individuals, government, and communities.” She expressed gratitude to frontline workers and partners for their dedication and urged Nigerians to ensure rabies is eradicated.
The Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, Dr. Muhammed Inuwa, represented by Dr. Samuel Anzaku, said he was optimistic that the exercise would “translate into action,” while the National Project Coordinator for L-PRES, Dr. Sanusi Abubakar, pledged collaboration to scale up nationwide vaccination.
Goodwill messages from stakeholders, including Dr. Idris Ademoh, FCT Director of Veterinary Services, and Dr. Bala Mohammed of Blue Blood Veterinary Services, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Ministry’s fight against rabies.
With the campaign now underway, the Federal Government is banking on a united national response to meet its ambitious 2030 elimination target.
