Fight Against Zoonotic Diseases Collective Responsibility – Dr. Ibrahim Bello

By Muhammad Sani Mu’azu

Over ten thousand Nigerians die annually as a result of rabbies disease with Bauchi state as one of the states with high prevalence of the disease.

According to the director veterinary services, Bauchi state ministry of agriculture Dr. Ibrahim Muhammad Bello, the data is too alarming that all stakeholders must work together in reducing the trend.

This was brought to the fore at school sensitization training on rabbies and other zoonotic diseases organised by the ministry in collaboration with other sister agencies with support from Breakthrough Action Nigeria held at Baitul Hikma College Bauchi.

Dr. Ibrahim Muhammad Bello who said rabbies disease as one of the most important zoonotic diseases is given a special consideration under one health concept hence the need for the collaboration with other stakeholders in community health sector.

He said the program is aimed at sensitising school children as well as their teachers on the dangers of rabbies disease, which is a disease that affects most worm blooded animals including man.

the director added that, the Bauchi state ministry of agriculture with support from state and Federal governments have been organising mass vaccination of animals against the deadly disease, but there are still reports of dog bite outbreak with human involvement and deaths.

Dr. Ibrahim Muhammad Bello called on the students to pass the information they acquire to their parents and Friends so as to prevent the spread of the disease.

Some of the students interviewed by Albarka Radio Haruna Jamilu Yakubu and Halima Abubakar commended the organisers for their foresight saying that they have learnt a lot and will put into practice the knowledge gained so as to prevent themselves from the zoonotic diseases.

They also promised to step down the knowledge for the benefit of their families and friends.