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    HomeNewsOver 25 000 succumb to rabies in Africa annually -Vet

    Over 25 000 succumb to rabies in Africa annually -Vet

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    Harare, (New Ziana) -Over 59 000 people die from rabies across the globe annually with Africa accounting for 25 000, the majority being children and those living in marginalised communities, an expert has said.

    Department of Veterinary Services chief director Dr Pious Makaya said this while addressing participants from around the world attending the International Course on the Surveillance and Control of Rabies at the University of Zimbabwe (UZ), which opened on Monday.

    He said rabies is a disease with a near 100 percent fatality rate once symptoms manifest.

    “These fatalities represent not merely statistics, but profound tragedies for families, communities, and nations. This course embodies our collective resolve to confront this challenge,” he said.

    “Through enhanced surveillance, vaccination initiatives, and public awareness campaigns, the eradication of rabies is within our grasp.” Dr Makaya said in an effort to eradicate the disease caused mainly by dog bites, countries have launched a campaign to eradicate the disease by 2030, dubbed the “Zero by 30,” which is a Global Strategic Plan that underscores the potential of collaboration, innovation and political.

    He expressed optimism that the international course that has brought together professionals, researchers, and decision-makers in the field of public health, not only provides them with knowledge but also equips them with the tools and networks necessary to effect transformative change within their respective regions.

    Speaking at the same event, Food and Agriculture Organisation livestock development officer Berhanu Bedane said except for two the Island nations of Mauritius and Seychelles, the burden of rabies is heavily felt in the remaining 13 countries of the Southern Africa region.

    He said studies have shown that about 40 percent of all rabies-related deaths involve children under the age of 15 years. “Often times, children play with dogs and the likelihood that they fail to report scratches which may lead to infection is high,” he said.

    “It is heart-breaking to see children and adults alike succumb to this preventable disease due to challenges ranging from lack of awareness, inadequate technical capacity and resources for confirmatory diagnosis, inaccessible post-exposure prophylaxis, lack of vaccine and logistics to conduct dog mass vaccination, and poor coordination among different sectors, just to mention a few.”

    Bedane expressed concern that despite the imminent threats of rabies in Southern African countries, few have meaningful surveillance or control projects or programs of their own or supported by donor funding with focus on rabies in recent years.

    He said most of the communities in rural areas still need more awareness customized to their conditions and needs on the disease, its prevention methods and what need to be done in case of dog bites, as sensitization of community members is far from adequate in hard to reach areas.

    “Not understanding well the significance of seeking medical attention in a timely manner, coupled with lack of access to post-exposure prophylaxis, is the main cause of many preventable deaths among rural communities where the problem is high,” he said.

    New Ziana

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