Dr. Donald Joachim Darko, the Bono Regional Director of the Veterinary Services Department (VSD), has disclosed that rabies claimed the lives of six individuals in the Bono Region in 2023, showing a marginal decrease from the eight deaths recorded in 2022.
Rabies, a lethal virus transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, manifests symptoms such as fever, headache, excessive salivation, muscle spasms, paralysis, and mental confusion.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Sunyani, Dr Darko highlighted the department’s vaccination efforts, revealing that 4,402 domestic animals received vaccinations in 2023. This marked a decline from the 8,171 domestic animals vaccinated in 2021 and the 3,606 animals in 2022.
Emphasizing the importance of vaccination, Dr Darko stressed the department’s commitment to achieving the World Health Organization‘s target of eradicating rabies-related deaths by 2030. He called for support from the public, emphasizing the need to vaccinate at least 70% of the pet and domestic animal population three consecutive times to achieve this goal.
With just six years remaining to meet the WHO target, Dr. Darko urged effective collaboration between Municipal/District Assemblies, the Ghana Health Service, and the VSD. He emphasized the necessity of intensified public education and ensuring accessibility and affordability of vaccines to reach the 2030 target.
Additionally, Dr. Darko urged pet owners to bring their cats, dogs, and other pets for vaccination at least once a year to prevent diseases and avoid unnecessary deaths. This call to action underscores the importance of proactive measures in safeguarding public health and reducing the incidence of rabies-related fatalities.
