Rabies, a deadly viral disease, has claimed another life in Nigeria—a preventable tragedy that underscores the urgent need for awareness and timely intervention. Globally, rabies is responsible for 59,000 deaths each year, with the majority occurring in Africa and Asia.

Key Fact:

The rabies vaccine is safe for pregnant women and nursing mothers, making it crucial for everyone, including expectant mothers, to receive post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) after a dog bite to prevent this fatal disease.

The Path Forward

To eliminate dog-mediated human rabies by 2030, we must act now:

• Increase Awareness: Launch education campaigns about rabies prevention and the importance of timely vaccination.
• Expand Access: Ensure rabies vaccines and immunoglobulin are affordable and accessible to all.
• Strengthen Policies: Advocate for robust programs to eliminate rabies at its source.

This recent case is a stark reminder that rabies is 100% preventable with prompt action. Let’s prioritize education, accessibility, and prevention to save lives and achieve a rabies-free future.