Kuje area council flags off anti-rabies campaign

The Kuje Area Council Administration has flagged off an Anti-Rabies Awareness and Free Vaccination campaign, aimed at preventing the spread of rabies and protecting the lives of residents, animals and communities across the area council.

The flag-off ceremony, held at the council secretariat Wednesday demonstrates the administration’s continued commitment to public health, responsible animal ownership and the prevention and control of diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans.

Flagging-off the campaign, the executive chairman of Kuje Area Council, Hon. Danjuma Samuel Shekwolo, urged dog owners across the various wards of the area council to take full advantage of the vaccination exercise and ensure that their dogs and cats are vaccinated.

The chairman noted that prevention remains safer, more effective and more economical than dealing with the consequences of disease outbreaks.

 He added that there’s no reason why people should own pets they know they cannot take care of.

Hon. Shekwolo called on traditional rulers and religious bodies to support the campaign by helping to disseminate accurate information and ensuring that the message reaches every household across Kuje area council.

He encouraged parents to educate their children on the importance of safe interaction with animals, while urging residents to promptly report suspected cases of rabies and incidents of animal bites to the appropriate authorities.

 He commended the Department of Agriculture/Veterinary and Livestock Services, veterinary professionals and other stakeholders for their commitment and efforts towards the making the campaign a reality.

Chairperson National Veterinary Medicine Association (NVMA) F.C.T chapter, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Dr. Chinnaemeka Joe-Iruobo, in her speech called on stakeholders to partner with the association to rid Abuja and Nigeria of rabies.