Accra: The Veterinary Services Department in the Aowin Constituency marked World Rabies Month with an educational tour to five basic schools, a teacher training college, two churches, and a mosque.
According to Ghana News Agency, the institutions visited included Enchicoe Demonstration Basic, Light Barers Basic, Commey Memorial Basic, Anna School Complex, Wisdom Preparatory School, Enchi College of Education, Church of Christ, Revival Assemblies of God-Ghana, and Enchi central mosque.
Mr. Selorm Debrah, the Municipal Veterinary Officer, stated in an interview that the month of September is designated as World Rabies Month. During this period, Ghana joins the global community to raise awareness about the dangers of rabies and the need for preventive action. The theme for this year’s celebration was ‘Act Now: You, Me, and Our Community’.
He highlighted Ghana’s commitment to the global agenda of achieving ‘Zero Human deaths from Dog-Mediated Rabies by 2030’. This underscores the urgent need to strengthen public education, responsible pet ownership, vaccination, and community involvement as essential measures to eradicate rabies.
Mr. Debrah emphasized the importance of sensitizing pupils and the public on rabies transmission, prevention, and the importance of timely vaccination of pets. Educating young people strengthens community awareness and long-term preventive efforts. He noted that about 40 percent of those bitten by suspected rabid animals were children under 15 years.
Rabies is a viral zoonotic disease caused by a neurotropic virus of the Rhabdoviridae family, genus Lyssa. The disease is characterized by progressive and fatal inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. Rabies has two clinical forms: Furious, characterized by hyperactivity and hallucination, and Paralytic, which leads to paralysis and coma.
Mr. Debrah explained that rabies affects all warm-blooded animals and is prevalent mostly in developing countries in Asia and Africa, including Ghana. Rabies remains one of the most important zoonotic diseases, mostly fatal following the onset of clinical signs and symptoms. He reminded pupils that bites from pets are the major mode of transmission and stressed the importance of cooperating with the Veterinary Services Department for pet vaccinations.
He advised learners to educate their parents and friends to regularly vaccinate their dogs, cats, and monkeys from three months of age and beyond. Eliminating rabies is feasible through pet vaccination and prevention of animal bites. The public is urged to report any animal bites to the nearest health facility for immediate medical attention and investigation.
Mr. Debrah also taught individuals bitten by dogs and other animals to wash the affected area immediately with soap under running water for 20 minutes and apply sanitizer to reduce the viral load in the infested animal’s saliva, thereby preventing it from entering deep into the nerves before seeking medical attention.
Mr. Thomas Adanse, Staff Secretary of Commey Memorial Basic School, noted the importance of avoiding contact with wild animals, especially if they appear sick or aggressive, to prevent rabies. He emphasized seeking medical attention immediately after an animal bite, as prevention is key.
Reverend Anthony Kondo, the Pastor in-charge of Revival Assemblies of God-Ghana, Kokoado Branch, stated that the education on rabies would promote disease prevention. He committed to sharing the acquired knowledge with family members to avoid expensive treatment if infected. The interactive lesson was appreciated, and more educational sessions from the Veterinary Services Department are anticipated.