The National Anti-Rabies Campaign has been flagged off in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

Speaking at a brief but colourful flag-off ceremony which was held on Thursday at the Ministry of Agriculture grounds, Uyo, the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Glory Edet, described the campaign as timely. While welcoming participants to the event, she noted that Rabies was a concerning disease which could be contracted from dogs, cats and other pets and has no known cure but can be mitigated through vaccination.

On the need for the campaign, she explained that the National Anti-Rabies Campaign is a positive reaction by the World Health Organisation for Animal Health and the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (RMARD) to the impending threat by rabies. In her words "This exercise is jointly done by the World Health Organisation for Animal Health, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) and the Akwa Ibom State Government".

Dr. Edet advised Veterinary Doctors of the need to be immunized with the human Anti-rabies in order to reduce the high risk of contracting the disease.

While also educating dog owners on the importance of the vaccination, the Honourable Commissioner noted that the FREE vaccination for dogs, cats and monkeys will take place at veterinary clinics sited around all Local Government Headquarters of the State, and will last for a period of two (2) months. She assured the general public that the Ministry of Agriculture is opened to partner with committed stakeholders in Agriculture to put smiles on the faces of Akwaibomites. The Commissioner appreciated the Governor for his passion in all areas of Agriculture and his support for the Programme

Earlier, the Director of Veterinary Services in the Ministry, Dr. Obot Obot, welcomed participants to the event and stated that Rabies are incurable and advised dog owners to vaccinate their dogs and take the yearly vaccination seriously.

He commended the Honourable Commissioner for the campaign and assured that the campaign will be taken to the nooks and crannies of the State.

A pep talk on the effects of rabies, dog bite and preventive measures, was delivered by Dr. Teddy and Dr Abasiodiong.

Dr. Uyobong Uko, the State Director, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development thanked the Akwa Ibom State Government for being the first to carry out the programme in the Country and further expressed gratitude to the Honourable Commissioner .

In their separate goodwill messages, the Director of Animal Husbandry, Dr. Aniefiok Isong, the Programe Director, AKADEP, Mr. Okon Ndehede, the Chairman, NVMA, Dr. Ofonbuk Ntuen, all thanked the Governor through the Honourable Commissioner, for being the first to approve the hosting of the Anti-Rabies Campaign.

They appealed to dog owners to take advantage of the free vaccination accross the 31 Local Government Areas of the State.

In her vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Mary Bassey thanked all the participants for coming out to witness the flag-off of the campaign and appreciated the Honourable Commissioner for passionately interpreting the ideas of the Governor in the Agric sector and prayed for journey mercies for all participants.

The event featured free animal vaccination and certificate presentation to dog owners.

Also in attendance were, Vet Doctors, Directors and staff members of the Ministry of Agriculture.

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