World Rabies Day: Efforts Towards Rabies Awareness in Zaria, Nigeria

Abstract

Rabies is a disease that is associated with very high case fatality rate. This disease is however entirely preventable. World rabies day (WRD) inaugurated on September 8, 2007 was aimed at creating awareness among the public as a major step in the control of this disease. The event is now thmarked on the 28 September annually. Rabies is endemic in Nigeria among the domestic dogs and human exposure is common. From the year of inauguration of WRD, there have been activities to create awareness in Zaria, Nigeria. Over the last four years since the inception of WRD, several professionals have been involved in creating public awareness about rabies within and outside the Ahmadu Bello University community in Zaria. Events planned and executed include visual arts, sports, public lectures, vaccination campaigns, dog parade, walks, school children education, workshops and distribution of WRD logobranded souvenirs such as badges, notebooks and gift bags. The print media including local news papers and educational leaflets and posters were also utilized. The electronic media especially the local radio stations were also involved through daily jingles aired during the WRD period. The efforts made so far have been very useful, being focused and target groups reached. There is increased awareness about rabies based on the publics' quest for professional advice where rabies exposure occurred, and for vaccination of their dogs against rabies. This paper looks at the efforts made so far and other opportunities for reaching the public with the message of rabies prevention.