(DDM) — The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development deployed vaccination teams across Bauchi, Cross River, FCT, Gombe, Kano, Lagos, Osun, and Plateau States last week, following the official flag-off led by Minister Idi Mukhtar Maiha on September 29, 2025.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that under the One Health framework, the government procured 26,000 doses of anti-rabies vaccines for distribution across the eight focus states, with Plateau alone receiving 3,000 doses.
Samuel Anzaku, Nigeria’s Chief Veterinary Officer, said the campaign demonstrates the government’s commitment to ending rabies through coordinated action between federal, state, and community stakeholders.
He said the theme, “You, Me, and Community”, reflects the importance of public participation in disease prevention, adding that the fight cannot be won by the government alone.
At the Plateau launch, officials from the University of Jos Veterinary Teaching Hospital confirmed receiving 1,200 vaccine doses to support local surveillance and immunization drives.
Lami Hannatu Lombin, the hospital’s director, revealed that Bassa Local Government Area recorded 25 rabies cases this year alone, resulting in 12 deaths, including an entire family of three.
She described the situation as a “public health emergency,” calling for intensified education and routine vaccination to avert more deaths.
Meanwhile, Plateau State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Sunday Akpa, and Bassa LGA Chairman, Joshua Sunday Riti, praised the Federal Government’s intervention and pledged their commitment to sustaining the vaccination program.
The event drew several dignitaries, including Markus Avory, Special Adviser to the Governor on Livestock Matters, and Nicholas Nwankpa, Executive Director of the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI).
They inspected a cold-room facility donated by the Norwegian Refugee Council for vaccine storage, part of efforts to ensure quality preservation and access.
Public health experts, however, have raised concerns over the ambitious 2030 elimination target, warning that limited funding, weak surveillance, and low awareness could hinder progress.
They urged the government to strengthen local veterinary capacity, expand rural outreach, and address the shortage of trained vaccinators if the campaign is to succeed.
Rabies remains one of the most fatal viral infections globally, responsible for nearly 59,000 human deaths every year, with Africa accounting for over 36 percent of cases.
Despite the government’s optimism, experts insist that sustained community engagement and accountability at all levels are crucial if Nigeria hopes to end rabies transmission within the next five years.
