BY: NWAEBIEM JENNIFER NWAKAIFE
The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Enugu State Chapter, in collaboration with the Enugu State Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Industrialization, has held its second Zero Rabies Campaign to commemorate World Rabies Day, with a call for collective action towards eliminating rabies in the state. The campaign, themed “Stronger Together,” brought together government officials, veterinary professionals, development partners, and other stakeholders to promote rabies prevention and control through public awareness and animal vaccination.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of NVMA, Enugu State Chapter, Dr. Iloh chidebere Joseph expressed appreciation to the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Barrister Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for providing an enabling environment and approving the campaign. He also commended the governor for employing 100 veterinary doctors and 50 veterinary paraprofessionals to strengthen animal health service delivery. Dr. Iloh Chidebere further appreciated the Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialization, Dr. Patrick Nwabueze Ubru, and the State Project Coordinator of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project, Dr. Nnajieze Ifeyinwa Elizabeth, for their contributions to livestock development and improved veterinary services in the state.
In his address, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialization, Dr. Patrick Nwabueze Ubru emphasized the importance of the One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health. He noted that rabies prevention requires the active participation of government, veterinary and medical professionals, community leaders, dog owners, schools, civil society organizations, and the general public. He stressed that rabies are preventable and called for collective responsibility to ensure that no human life is lost to the disease.
The State Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Lynda Ijeoma Kene-Nnaji called on local government authorities, private veterinary practitioners, community leaders, animal owners, health workers, security agencies, and the media to support the campaign. She explained that the employment of 100 veterinary doctors and 50 veterinary paraprofessionals had strengthened the capacity of the Veterinary Services Department to improve disease surveillance, expand vaccination coverage and enhance veterinary services across the 17 local government areas of Enugu State. She urged dog owners to make their animals available for vaccination, practise responsible pet ownership and promptly report suspected rabies cases, noting that mass vaccination of dogs and cats, public awareness and early reporting are essential to preventing the spread of the disease.
In her vote of thanks, the Chief Medical Director, Dr. Chizara Oguamah appreciated the dignitaries, veterinary professionals, development partners, and other stakeholders who attended the event. She also commended Governor Peter Mbah for his commitment to human and animal health, expressing hope that the campaign would mark another significant step towards a rabies-free Enugu State. The campaign reaffirmed the need for sustained collaboration, public education, and responsible animal care to protect both human and animal lives from rabies.
L-PRES Enugu State
Communication/ICT Unit
