Abidjan, Sep 28, 2022 (AIP) – On the occasion of World Rabies Day, commemorated on Wednesday September 28, 2022, the Ivorian government invites people to have their dogs and other pets vaccinated once morest this disease.
“Rabies is a major zoonosis, a serious disease that is transmitted to humans through the saliva of infected animals when bitten or scratched. As soon as the symptoms of the disease appear in humans or animals, it inevitably leads to death,” warns the Minister of Animal and Fisheries Resources, Sidi Touré.
In the Joint Statement also read on behalf of the Ministry of Health, Public Hygiene and Universal Health Coverage, he recalled the government measures taken through the adoption of an integrated rabies control program.
As a result, the Ministry of Animal and Fisheries Resources has deployed 441 fixed vaccination posts throughout the territory and organizes national vaccination campaigns for pets.
In addition, Sidi Touré urges people to observe simple gestures that save. Among other things, to feed and properly care for pets; in the event of a bite, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and plenty of water; to go immediately to the nearest hospital for appropriate care; and taking the biting animal to the veterinarian for observation.
According to the World Organization for Animal Health, it is possible to eliminate rabies by vaccinating 70% of dogs in the country each year. This disease is 100% preventable by mass vaccination of the canine population and adequate care of bite victims.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 60,000 people die of rabies each year worldwide, or one death from rabies every nine minutes.
In Côte d’Ivoire, officially an average of 20 people die of rabies each year. However, a study conducted in 2018 showed that more than 637 people die of rabies there per year and 300 of them are children under the age of 15. The majority of victims are from rural areas and children account for more than half of the deaths.
The disease generates an annual economic impact of more than 19 billion CFA Francs in Côte d’Ivoire.
(AIP)
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