World Rabies Day: KWSG Pledges Enabling Environment For Animal Health Workers. ... as NVMA calls for collaborative efforts against zoonotic diseases
The Kwara State Government has restated its commitment to provide enabling environment for the animal health workers to prevent zoonotic diseases in the state.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas made the commitment at the official flag-off ceremony of the 2023 World Rabies Day, held at Government Veterinary Hospital in Adewole, Ilorin West Local Government Area.
The event was organised by the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), in collaboration with the Kwara State Government and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
The ceremony, which had in attendance members of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, Federal and State Government Functionaries, Dog Breeders and Owners, among other stakeholders in animal health sector in the state, had as its theme for this year’s celebration:
"All for One, One Health for All".
The Commissioner in her speech, said the present administration under the leadership of Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq would continue to prioritize the welfare of health workers in the state, being the most crucial and one of the important sectors in the society.
"I am truly honoured to stand before you as the Hon. Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development of Kwara State to flag off the crucial initiative of free mass vaccination for eligible dogs and cats, a programme that embodies our commitment to the welfare of our community and the principles of one health.
"Rabies is a deadly disease that affects both humans and animals, and it poses a significant public health risk. It is our collective responsibility to eradicate this disease from our midst, ensuring a safer and healthier environment for all.
"In the spirit of 'All for One, One Health for All', we recognize the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. This initiative emphasizes the importance of collaboration across sectors and communities to achieve a rabies-free world", Mrs. Thomas stressed.
"It is with a heavy heart that I must also draw your attention to a recent tragic case of rabies in our beloved Ganiki community. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address this issue. This tragedy underscores the importance of our mission here today.
"We cannot allow such heart-wrenching incidents to continue. It is our duty to protect our communities, especially our children, from the devastating consequences of rabies. Through mass vaccination, public awareness campaigns, and responsible pet ownership, we can create a safer environment for everyone", the Commissioner added.
In his welcome address, the Chief Veterinary Officer of the State (CVOS), who doubles as the Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Abdullateef Salman Olugbon said the occasion is to stress the need for a concerted effort by all stakeholders in the animal health sector to reduce the incidence of rabies in the world, especially in Nigeria and Kwara state in particular.
He further used the occasion to implore all pet owners to make their pets available for vaccination in order to reduce the incidence of rabies in the state.
In her remarks, the State Chairperson, Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, Dr. Idiat Aminu commended all the stakeholders involved for the success of this year’s World Rabies Day. She specifically expressed appreciation to the Kwara State Government for creating an enabling environment for the practice of veterinary profession in the state.
Highlights of the occasion are the official flag-off of the vaccination exercise, goodwill messages by the Dean, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ilorin, Prof. Azeez Oyebisi Mistura and Director of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Prof. Abdulrauf Ibrahim, among other side attractions.
Yusuf Ganiyu Adebisi
Press Secretary
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
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