On September 28th, 2023, the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), the Association of Veterinary Medical Students at the University of Ibadan (AVMS UI), and the Oyo state government collaborated to celebrate World Rabies Day.
On World Rabies Day, the NVMA and AVMS conducted a large-scale awareness campaign. The event started early on the 28th with a rally at the University of Ibadan gate and continued through the Bodija market, ending at the state Secretariat.
The campaign team includes Veterinary Medical students and doctors, spreading awareness about rabies, dogs, and antirabies vaccines throughout Oyo state.
The general public has been made aware that free Rabies vaccinations will be available starting on September 30, 2023. Dog owners are advised to contact the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at the University of Ibadan, the State Veterinary Hospital in Mokola, or any other veterinary clinic in the state to schedule their pets' vaccinations.
During a speech at the state Secretariat, Dr. Moses Arokoyo emphasized the significance of Rabies as a zoonotic disease, that is, transmissible to humans. He provided data and statistics, revealing that this disease claims the lives of over 60,000 individuals every year across the globe.
He mentioned that 75% of human diseases come from animals and assigned the state commissioner of agriculture to investigate it as a major project.
The Oyo State Commissioner of Agriculture, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye, confirmed the statements made by Dr. Moses Arokoyo regarding the significance of animals to humanity. He emphasized the importance of raising awareness about lesser-known aspects of animal welfare and pledged to support such efforts regularly. The Commissioner also expressed concern about the risks of ignorance towards such issues, highlighting that it can sometimes lead to fatal consequences.
The AVMS was well represented by the clinical year students, AVMS president Olayiwola Zacchaeus, and Subdean Undergraduate Dr. Olayinka Anifowose.
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