Yakubu Gowon University has received a fresh supply of anti rabies vaccines in response to growing concerns over rabies infections caused by increasing dog bite incidents in the surrounding community and on campus.
The development comes as part of a wider campaign to eliminate rabies in Nigeria, a deadly but preventable viral disease that continues to claim lives due to low vaccination coverage and limited public awareness.
Rabies is primarily transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, most commonly dogs. Once symptoms appear such as fever, agitation, confusion, or paralysis the disease is almost always fatal. The World Health Organization estimates that rabies kills nearly 60,000 people globally each year, with Africa accounting for a large share of the deaths, mostly among children.
Dr. Emmanuel Bako, Director of Veterinary Services at the university, confirmed that the vaccines would be used for both emergency post-exposure treatment and preventive campaigns. “We are seeing a spike in dog bite reports, some from stray dogs and others from unvaccinated domestic pets. This vaccine supply is crucial to safeguarding lives,” he said.
The university plans to partner with local health authorities and veterinary associations to roll out a mass dog vaccination program, public education campaigns, and stricter pet ownership regulations around the campus and nearby communities.
Experts warn that rabies elimination is only possible through a coordinated effort that includes routine vaccination of dogs, rapid post-exposure treatment for bite victims, and stronger community surveillance.
“Rabies is 100% preventable, yet it remains a silent killer in many parts of Nigeria. Every dog bite should be treated as a medical emergency,” said Dr. Adaeze Njoku, a public health epidemiologist.
The university’s action is seen as a model that other institutions and communities could adopt in the ongoing battle to eliminate rabies in Nigeria by the global target year of 2030.
source: Leadership.ng
