By Praise Chinecherem
Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Anambra State Chapter has sensitized thousands of Nnewi residents through secondary schools on the dangers of rabies virus that could be transmitted mostly by dogs.
This year’s sensitization programme which took the veterinary doctors to Mother of Mercy Girls Secondary School, and Okongwu Memorial Grammar School all in Nnewi, Anambra State witnessed a mammoth turnout of staff and students of the schools visited.
This was to mark the 18th anniversary of the World Health Organization (WHO)’s Rabies Day Celebration, 2024 with the theme, “Breaking Rabies Boundaries.
Chairman of the association in Anambra, Dr Ifeanyi Obiwulu said the sensitization programme was targeted to inform the grassroots through secondary school students for onward transmission to the larger society.
He disclosed that the world Rabies Day is celebrated on September 28 every year or the last Saturday of September every year.
He said the programme was meant to enlighten the students and general public of the effects and how to prevent rabies, adding that rabies virus was hopefully targeted to be at zero record come 2030.
“We are moving round sensitizing people, giving free vaccinations and going to radio stations and other media outlets to ensure people are informed properly on what they should know about the rabies virus and to disabuse their minds of some misconceptions, “he said.
He disclosed that there were many cases of people who contracted the virus in Anambra State including those who died of the virus out of ignorance that were not reported.
He noted that this had made it imperative to sensitize the public on the dangers of rabies virus that is spread by dogs.
He said rabies virus could be more prevalent in communities where there were many stray dogs.
The vet doctors made up of the executive of the association including Dr Ifeanyi Obiwulu; Dr Victor Ughaerumba, Vice Chairman; Dr Chukwunonso Umeononigwe, Secretary; Dr Obi Donates. L. and Dr Ogochkwu Ukachukwu.
The doctors took turns to address the students and the teachers on what to do when someone became a victim of rabies infected dog bite.
“Rabies can affect dogs and humans. Vaccinate your dogs against rabies, give your dogs anti-rabies vaccinations and do not allow your dogs to roam the streets because there can be a vaccination failure.
“A dog that has rabies can die between eight and ten days when the virus manifested.
“When a dog infected with rabies bites you, get water and soap, it can be hypo or detergent, wash the site thoroughly to deactivate the effects of the virus and take anti-tetanus vaccination. You must go to a hospital for adequate medical attention.
“Victims of rabies virus will be barking like a dog and will be showing manifestation of an epilepsy patient, that is convulsing.
“You should avoid a dog that has rabies. The infected dog is always dropping saliva and doesn’t come close to water. The dog changes its behavior and hides away from humans and can bite any one that comes close to it including objects, they said.
The doctors explained in details through the students all the public needed to know about rabies virus.
The vet doctors entertained questions from the students who were excited from the beginning of the sensitization programme at the two schools to the end.
The students who answered questions from the doctors correctly were given gifts in return as reward.
The Senior Prefect of Okongwu Memorial Grammar School, Master Samuel Moughalu on behalf of others thanked the visiting doctors and described the event as an eye opener.
In the same vein the Senior Prefect of the Mother of Mercy Girls Secondary School expressed the students appreciation for for the visit in her vote of thanks.
