Abuja: The Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) will commence a two-week mass rabies vaccination exercise across the territory starting Wednesday. The initiative aims to curb the spread of rabies and ensure the safety of residents and their pets.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Mandate Secretary, Mr. Suleiman Ango, addressed veterinary and animal health officials at the FCT Veterinary Clinic in Nyaya, Abuja, on Tuesday, announcing the commencement of the campaign. Represented by the Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Dandam Karnak, Ango emphasized the importance of maintaining high professional standards during the exercise.
The vaccination campaign is described as a critical public health intervention, with Ango commending field officers for their dedication. He highlighted the necessity of discipline and professionalism to ensure the success of the initiative. The administration assured full support for the teams as they cover all six area councils, ensuring no community is overlooked.
Ango stated that the vaccination would be provided free of charge by the FCTA. He stressed that any officer found demanding or accepting payment would face disciplinary action, as the government aims to protect residents by covering the entire cost of the exercise.
The News Agency of Nigeria further reported that the FCTA had confirmed eight rabies cases and two deaths in the territory as of July 15. In response, residents were urged to vaccinate their pets to prevent the virus’s spread, leading to the announcement of the mass vaccination exercise across all villages and towns in the Federal Capital Territory.