World Rabies Day — *September 28th, 2025* *Theme*; *_Act Now: You, Me, Community_*

_This year’s theme urges collective responsibility across Nigeria, where rabies remains endemic. Globally, an estimated 59,000 people die from rabies annually; 99% of human cases are dog-mediated. Africa accounts for roughly 21,000 deaths. In Nigeria, estimates range from 1,000–2,000 human deaths each year, with tens of thousands more dog-bite exposures recorded; children under 15 are disproportionately affected._

_Because more than 99% of human rabies infections are dog-mediated, hunting and free-roaming community dogs that contact wildlife act as bridges, bringing rabies into domestic animals and people. Targeted vaccination of hunting and community dogs is therefore essential. Interrupting transmission requires vaccinating roughly 70% of the dog population; persistent gaps in coverage sustain outbreaks_.

_Responsible pet ownership, including registration, confinement, and annual vaccination will protects families and livestock. Timely wound washing and rapid referral for post‑exposure prophylaxis (PEP) save lives, but PEP can be costly and logistically out of reach. That reality underscores prevention: vaccinate dogs to prevent human suffering and reduce expensive PEP needs_.

_Our communities of practice , the health workers and veterinary services must coordinate surveillance, Integrated Bite Case Management (IBCM) and education so every bite is treated seriously. Expand government support, fund community vaccination drives, sustain surveillance financing, and integrate human and animal health efforts across states and local governments now to close critical gaps toward elimination._

_This commemoration calls on dog owners to vaccinate and contain animals; on health and veterinary services to coordinate IBCM and PEP access; on policymakers to fund mass vaccination and surveillance; and on communities to lead education, reporting and local mobilization so every neighborhood knows the hazards of unvaccinated dogs._

_In conclusion, we advocate for resource mobilization by government, NGOs, community leaders, donors to fund free mass vaccination, mobile clinics, subsidies; train local vaccinators, map dog populations, run school and neighborhood education, enforce registration, ensure accessible PEP, protect children, end rabies urgently now._

_Happy World Rabies Day Celebration_!

Bala Muhammed FCVSN, is private practising veterinarian