The World Veterinary Association, WVA, and the World Medical Association, WMA, have demanded that rabies education be included in school curricula due to the 4.6 billion people who are at risk of rabies disease.

The associations said rabies, is a global threat endangering approximately 4.6 billion people and poses a significant threat, with children disproportionately affected.

According to the medical associations, when transmitted through dog bites, predominantly impacts marginalised populations in resource-poor regions.

They said: “Tragically, a large majority of these fatalities could be prevented if more than 70 percent of dogs were vaccinated, and if prompt wound washing and post-exposure treatment were administered to bite victims.

“While the tools to combat rabies are readily available, their effective implementation remains a challenge.”

They explained that by imparting knowledge to children about the risks associated with rabies and the essential preventive measures, the world can empower the next generation to safeguard themselves and their communities.

The Nigerian Veterinary Medicine Association (NVMA) had on World Rabies Day called on pet owners to keep their pets within their premises and ensure they are fully vaccinated against rabies.

the National President of the association said, “To curb stray dogs in Nigeria and rabies burden, we advocate responsible pet ownership. If you own a dog, please vaccinate it and keep it within your premises. Don’t allow it to stray out of your premises, thereby endangering the lives of other citizens. All pet owners should please be responsible.”

Akinlade described the challenges posed by rabies in the country as enormous and devastating, adding that “anybody bitten by a rabid dog may not be productive.”