As Nigeria commemorates World Rabies Day 2025 with the theme “Act Now: You, Me, Community,” the Livestock Management Services (LMS) has stressed the urgent need to vaccinate at least 70% of the dog population to effectively control rabies transmission across the country.
Bala Muhammed, CEO of LMS, revealed that persistent vaccination gaps fuel recurrent outbreaks of rabies, a disease responsible for an estimated 1,000 to 2,000 human deaths annually in Nigeria, primarily affecting children under 15. Over 99% of human rabies cases are traced to bites from hunting and free-roaming community dogs that interact with wildlife and domestic animals.
Muhammed called for mobilization of resources by government bodies, NGOs, and community leaders to fund mass vaccination campaigns, train local vaccinators, and carry out community awareness programs. He also urged enforcement of dog registration, responsible pet ownership, and improving access to life-saving post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
Globally, rabies kills about 59,000 people every year, with Africa accounting for roughly 21,000 deaths. Nigeria’s veterinary and health professionals are encouraged to coordinate efforts under the One Health approach to achieve rabies elimination by 2030.
The annual observance pays tribute to Louis Pasteur, who developed the first rabies vaccine, while renewing commitment to ending this fatal but preventable disease.