New Juaben South Municipal Health Directorate launches child-focused rabies awareness campaign with Mission Rabies U.K. support

The New Juaben South Municipal Health Directorate has rolled out a rabies prevention campaign targeting primary school pupils across the municipality, with support from Mission Rabies U.K.

Dr Moses Barima Djimatey, Eastern Regional Deputy Director of Public Health, described rabies as a deadly viral infection that attacks the nervous system and is mainly transmitted through bites from infected dogs.

He stressed that although rabies has no cure, it is fully preventable when exposed individuals receive immediate vaccination.

Dr Djimatey said rabies remains a persistent public health threat, urging stronger community participation to boost awareness and encourage preventive action.

He referenced World Health Organisation (WHO) data indicating that nearly 60,000 people die from rabies each year, with more than 90 percent of cases recorded in Africa and Asia. Children under 15 years, he noted, account for about 40 percent of global deaths.

The campaign aligns with the WHO-led “ZERO BY 30” strategy, which aims to eliminate dog-mediated human rabies by 2030. Core areas of focus include annual dog vaccinations, public education on safe behaviour around dogs, and quick medical attention following any dog bite.

Health officials emphasised the need for the public to report all dog bites to health facilities for proper evaluation and timely administration of rabies vaccines.

They highlighted early signs of rabies, including tingling or numbness at the bite area, aggression, difficulty swallowing, breathing challenges, and paralysis.

The directorate’s school-based awareness drive seeks to equip pupils with critical knowledge on dog-bite safety, early reporting, and the life-saving importance of prompt vaccination after exposure.