Dr. Barinade Beke Fakae, a distinguished veterinary parasitologist and former vice chancellor of Rivers State University, has called for urgent, coordinated action to combat rabies in Nigeria and across Africa. Speaking at the 2026 World Rabies Day event in Port Harcourt, organized by the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Fakae underscored the preventable nature of the disease and the necessity of a 'One Health' approach to eradicate it. His remarks came as the NVMA highlighted the theme 'Stronger Together' for the event, with a sub-theme of 'Saving Lives' to emphasize collective efforts in addressing the public health crisis.
Fakae, who has long been a leading voice in veterinary research, noted that rabies remains a significant threat, particularly in rural communities where access to vaccines and medical care is limited. He cited data showing that 21,000 people die from rabies annually in Africa, with Nigeria bearing a disproportionate share of the burden. 'Rabies is not just a disease; it is a social and economic burden, a public health emergency, and a community tragedy that disproportionately affects the vulnerable,' he stated, stressing the need for systemic change.
The World Rabies Day 2026 event, hosted by the NVMA's Rivers State chapter, brought together veterinary professionals, public health officials, and community leaders to discuss strategies for rabies prevention. Gloria Daminabo and Chigoziri Peace Mbor, leaders of the association, emphasized the importance of collaboration, while Ibitoye Timothy, chairman of the event, highlighted the role of grassroots engagement. The sub-theme 'Stronger Together, Saving Lives' reflected the NVMA's commitment to fostering partnerships across sectors to address the disease.
Fakae outlined the biological and epidemiological realities of rabies, explaining that the virus spreads through the saliva of infected animals, primarily dogs, and attacks the central nervous system. He described the progression of the disease, from initial flu-like symptoms to severe neurological manifestations, including hydrophobia and seizures. 'Once clinical symptoms appear, rabies is nearly 100% fatal,' he warned, but stressed that the disease is 100% preventable through timely intervention.
The expert emphasized the importance of immediate wound care, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), and widespread vaccination campaigns. He called for mass dog vaccination programs targeting at least 70% of the canine population, a strategy endorsed by global health organizations. 'When a veterinarian vaccinates a dog in a rural community, they are not just protecting an animal; they are safeguarding the child who plays with that dog,' Fakae said, illustrating the interconnectedness of animal and human health.
Public awareness and education emerged as critical components of rabies control. Fakae noted that many victims die because they lack knowledge about post-bite protocols. 'We must prioritize education, especially in schools and rural areas, to ensure communities understand the steps to take after a dog bite,' he said. He also highlighted the need for improved surveillance systems to address underreporting and enhance data-sharing between agencies.
The 'One Health' approach, which Fakae described as the cornerstone of rabies elimination, requires collaboration between veterinarians, medical doctors, environmental health officers, and policymakers. 'Rabies control is not the responsibility of veterinarians alone,' he asserted. 'It demands synergy among all stakeholders, from dog owners to government officials, to create a unified front against the disease.'
Fakae criticized the fragmentation of healthcare systems, which he argued allows rabies to persist. 'When we work in silos, rabies thrives. When we work together, rabies retreats,' he said, urging professionals to break down barriers and share resources. He called for stronger partnerships between veterinary and human health sectors, as well as increased investment in rabies prevention programs.
The expert also addressed the economic and social impact of rabies, particularly on children in underserved communities. 'Rabies is a preventable tragedy that disproportionately affects the most vulnerable,' he said, citing the lack of access to vaccines and medical care as key factors. He urged policymakers to prioritize rabies elimination in national health agendas and allocate resources for vaccination campaigns and public education.
Fakae outlined specific actions to achieve rabies-free communities, including mass dog vaccination, improved access to PEP, and stronger legislation to enforce dog vaccination laws. 'Responsible dog ownership is the first line of defense,' he said, urging pet owners to vaccinate and care for their animals. He also emphasized the need for legislative support to ensure compliance with rabies control measures.
The NVMA's Rivers State chapter received praise for its leadership in organizing the 2026 event, with Fakae commending their commitment to public health and community engagement. 'Your work embodies the spirit of 'Stronger Together,' he said, encouraging the association to continue advocating for collaboration across sectors. He also called on the broader veterinary community to embrace the 'One Health' framework and prioritize rabies elimination as a shared goal.
Fakae concluded by reiterating the urgency of the fight against rabies, stating that every life lost to the disease is a preventable tragedy. 'Let us pledge to work hand-in-hand to ensure that not a single life in Rivers State, or anywhere in Nigeria, is lost to rabies again,' he said. His message underscored the importance of unity, purpose, and sustained effort in achieving a rabies-free future.
The 2026 World Rabies Day event served as a rallying point for stakeholders to renew their commitment to the 'One Health' approach. Fakae's call for collaboration resonated with attendees, who recognized the need for systemic change to address the disease's root causes. As the NVMA and its partners continue their efforts, the focus remains on building a future where rabies is no longer a threat to communities across Nigeria and beyond.
The article highlights the critical role of veterinary science in public health and the necessity of cross-sector collaboration to tackle zoonotic diseases. Fakae's insights provide a roadmap for addressing rabies through education, vaccination, and policy reform, while emphasizing the moral imperative to protect vulnerable populations. His advocacy for the 'One Health' framework reflects a growing recognition of the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
The 2026 World Rabies Day event in Port Harcourt marked a significant step in Nigeria's fight against the disease, with Fakae's leadership inspiring renewed efforts to implement comprehensive rabies control strategies. As the NVMA and its partners continue their work, the focus remains on fostering partnerships, improving access to care, and raising awareness to ensure that rabies is eradicated as a public health threat.
The call for 'Stronger Together' underscores the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in the fight against rabies. Fakae's message serves as a reminder that while the disease is preventable, its persistence is a reflection of systemic failures in healthcare delivery and community engagement. By embracing the 'One Health' approach, Nigeria and other African nations can take meaningful steps toward eliminating rabies and safeguarding public health.
The article concludes with a reaffirmation of the importance of sustained, collaborative action in the fight against rabies. Fakae's vision for a rabies-free future relies on the commitment of individuals, organizations, and governments to prioritize prevention, education, and policy reform. As the 2026 World Rabies Day event demonstrated, the path to eradication is achievable through unity, innovation, and unwavering dedication to public health.
The legacy of the 2026 World Rabies Day event will be measured by the tangible progress made in reducing rabies cases and improving access to life-saving interventions. Fakae's advocacy has sparked a renewed focus on the 'One Health' approach, with the potential to transform rabies control efforts across Nigeria and beyond. As the country moves forward, the lessons learned from this event will serve as a foundation for future initiatives aimed at eradicating the disease.
The final message from Fakae and the NVMA is clear: rabies can be eliminated, but only through collective action and a commitment to the 'One Health' framework. By addressing the disease from multiple angles and fostering collaboration across sectors, Nigeria can lead the way in creating a safer, healthier future for its communities.