Around 14,000 people are exposed to rabies annually in Côte d’Ivoire.
The town of Bouna, located in northeastern Ivory Coast, hosted the official celebration of World Rabies Day on Saturday, September 28, 2024, around the theme “Together, let’s break down ignorance and negligence for zero deaths.” rage “.
For this year 2024, veterinary services have unfortunately recorded to date, 20 cases of rabid dogs and 35 deaths, reports a note sent to APA. More than 50% of victims are children under 15 years old.
Dr Kanga Kouamé, program manager of the country office of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Côte d’Ivoire, reiterated on this occasion the commitment of his institution to support the efforts government in the fight against rabies.
With the help of the United States government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Emergency Center for Transboundary Animal Disease Control (ECTAD), FAO is helping to strengthen the capacity of Côte d’Ivoire in the areas of training.
FAO also ensures the supply of equipment, materials and various inputs (vaccines, consumables, laboratory reagents) to support the country’s efforts in improving its capacities to prevent, detect early and respond quickly to to rage.
This day was preceded by a film screening in Bromacoté, a village on the outskirts of Bouna, as well as certification training sessions in Bouna on rabies for community leaders, school and high school teachers, and service agents. veterinarians and health.
On the menu for this day, there was a people’s march with slogans against rabies, awareness sketches and a free pet vaccination session.
Dr Kallo Vessaly, the Director of Veterinary Services (DSV) noted that rabies is a highly fatal disease. After the appearance of signs of the disease in both human and animal subjects, it leads inexorably to death.
To prevent this major zoonosis, the Ivorian government and its partners, including FAO through its Emergency Center for the Fight against Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD) and USAID, are placing emphasis on community awareness.
This awareness-raising mainly concerns the risks of this disease and the vaccination of pets (dogs, cats). Mr. Assoumani Gouromenan, the Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Animal and Fisheries Resources who chaired this ceremony, supported awareness raising against rabies.
A message heard and greeted by Ouattara Franck, resident in Bouna who immediately contacted the DSV services to have his dog vaccinated. “I didn’t know that rabies could lead to death. I know that Snowy, my dog, does not show signs of rabies. But I prefer not to take the risk and have him vaccinated. » he said.
A free vaccination campaign for domestic animals, launched on World Rabies Day, continues until October 5, 2024 in this Bounkani region.
AP/APA
