D.r Nakanjako Maria Flavia a senior veterinary officer and focal person for rabies at Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries -MAAIF said that 32 people and 130 animals die annually due to rabies
Ugandans have been encouraged to embrace vaccination of pets.
On Saturday, Uganda joined the rest of the world to
commemorate World Rabies Day in Kasese under the theme; Breaking Rabies Boundaries”.
D.r Nakanjako Maria Flavia a senior veterinary officer and
focal person for rabies at Ministry of
Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries -MAAIF said that
32 people and 130 animals die annually due to rabies . She added that the numbers could be
high given that the ministry’s reporting is limited.
She noted that 60% of the districts in Uganda are endemic with rabies
and they are working towards bringing the death of humans from rabies
to zero by 2030 as set out by the Global Alliance Against Rabies.
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Dr. Nakanjako said they conducted free mass vaccination drive on Saturday to commemorate the day well aware of the risks for the boarder districts like
Kasese.
She appealed to the community to embrace vaccination of their dogs as a precaution measure against death incase one gets in contact or is bitten.
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The President Veterinary Association of Uganda, Dr. Daniel
Kasibule wants schools and leaders to raise awareness among young
children who are at a great risk.
He also asked government to facilitate veterinary doctors
well to pursue their work and provide enough essential animal vaccinations.
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The Kasese District vice Chairperson Monday Girevazio
advocated for supply of rabies drugs under the essential category so that they
can be accessible at a low cost.
He also wants MAAIF to establish period animal clinics so
that people are able to have their pets vaccinated and sensitized routinely.
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The Minister of Agriculture who was represented by the minister
of ICT and National Guidance, Godfrey Kabyanga called for combined efforts to eliminate fake vaccines and drugs from the market.
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The day is celebrated on September
28th annually to raise awareness about rabies prevention and to highlight
progress in defeating rabies
The deadly virus spreads to people
from the saliva of infected animals through the bite of animals like dogs, cats
and bats among others.
It presents with fever, headache,
excess salivation, muscle spasms, paralysis, and mental confusion.
Once
symptoms appear, it is nearly fatal yet it has no specific treatment and can
only be prevented through vaccination.
Basaija is a graduate of Uganda Christian University (UCU-Mukono) holding a Bachelors Degree in Mass Communication.
He is a currently pursuing a fellowship in Gender Communications at Aga Khan University Graduate School of Media and Communications Nairobi, Kenya and expected to graduate in 2025.
He also boosts of numerous training's in the journalism arena.
Before joining URN, he had served as documentation support personnel, radio presenter and a news editor.
