Rabies Outbreak in Nigeria: A Call to Action for One Health Education and Community Engagement
Announcement of presentation and new video series on our collective work
Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes
Summary: A recent rabies outbreak in Nigeria, involving multiple animal and human exposures, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive One Health strategies. This article discusses the importance of educational initiatives, community involvement, and the development of accessible resources to prevent and manage such zoonotic diseases effectively.
Dr. Kwada Asunduwa Chagwa, colleague member of EU BEACON, has reported a rabies outbreak in a Nigerian village, where a rabid dog has bitten 18 ruminants, 8 dogs, and 4 humans. The affected dogs are exhibiting symptoms consistent with rabies, prompting plans to collect samples for laboratory confirmation at a veterinary facility. This incident underscores the critical need for a comprehensive One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health strategies. Rabies remains a significant public health concern, particularly in rural areas of Africa and Asia, where up to 95% of human deaths occur due to inadequate control measures and limited access to post-exposure prophylaxis . In Nigeria, the dog vaccination coverage is estimated at only 12.29%, highlighting the urgency for improved preventive measures .
Implementing One Health education programs is essential to raise awareness about zoonotic diseases like rabies. Such programs can empower communities with knowledge and tools to prevent outbreaks, ensuring that even remote populations are equipped to respond effectively. The development and dissemination of open-access technologies and training materials can facilitate this education, enabling communities to build sustainable models that break the cycle of disease and promote overall well-being.
Thursday, May 22 · 17:00 – 18:00
Time zone: Asia/Jakarta
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/knv-npqi-dmv
Or dial: (US) +1 617-675-4444 PIN: 110 445 533 4295#
More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/knv-npqi-dmv?pin=1104455334295
Dr. Kwada will provide an update on this outbreak during our upcoming video call on Thursday, May 22, along the presentations and work on our Horizon and Wellcome calls, as well as the Eramus+ one and other topics to be determined. His presentation will serve as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for initiatives as ours to help shift focus on how we preserve health. The discussion will also encompass proposals on funding and the establishment of necessary consortia.
Dr. Kwada’s account from his practice is a tragic reminder of the urgency, desperate need, for this our beacon blasting a strong signal pointing at the right direction to follow, reaching further as soon as possible. From here, we will develop a series of concise educational videos designed to convey One Health principles in an accessible manner for audiences of all ages, including children. These videos aim to address complex challenges such as the recent rabies outbreak, providing practical knowledge on prevention, early detection, and response strategies. Additionally, they will cover topics in physiology, research, science, and engineering, highlighting how experts are tackling current major issues, particularly in vulnerable and remote regions where timely intervention is critical.
Please, if you wish to present your work in this video series, or help engage other experts in the development of open-access educational materials, let it be known. Your expertise and commitment is already contributing to building resilient communities capable of breaking the cycle of disease and fostering sustainable health practices. We strive to make this initiative self-sustainable and a key output of our network, alongside software development, pilot projects, and original research.
Thanks for having joined in.