The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Veterinary Services Department, Dr. Alejo Cudjoe, has reported a significant rise in dog bites and rabies cases, particularly in the Greater Accra and Ashanti Regions.
Rabies, a fatal viral disease that affects mammals, is primarily transmitted through bites or scratches from infected animals.
It causes severe inflammation of the brain and nervous system, often leading to death if untreated.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that rabies claims around 70,000 lives annually, with 144 people dying from the disease each day, the vast majority occurring in developing countries in Africa and Asia.
Ghana, in particular, has seen a recent surge in rabies cases.
At a recent rabies awareness event, Dr. Alejo Cudjoe, highlighted that the Greater Accra and Ashanti Regions have the highest number of stray and unvaccinated dogs, which significantly contributes to the increase in rabies cases.
He urged the government to expedite the review of the Animal Health Act of 1961 to address the rising threat.
Dr. Cudjoe further explained that efforts to eradicate rabies are anchored on collaboration between three key ministries: the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Environment.
“One may ask why we are experiencing so many rabies cases in Accra and Kumasi. The population of stray unvaccinated dogs are growing in these areas. The time has come for us to change focus and pay more attention to aquatic animal health because that is where our source of protein comes from .
He added that “all the efforts in eliminating rabies are enshrined in three pillars. The Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Ministry of Health and Environment we walk closely together”.
He stressed the importance of a unified approach to tackling this public health issue.
Meanwhile, the Director of the Veterinary Services Directorate in Accra , Dr. Joseph Kofi Abu,has noted that one of the biggest challenges in combating rabies is inadequate funding for the animal health sector.
He pointed out that the shortage of veterinary personnel, including cleaners, across the regions limits the visibility and accessibility of veterinary services, making it difficult to control the spread of the disease.
According to the 2023 Ghana Health Service DHMIS report, approximately 3,311 suspected rabies cases were recorded in 2023, with fears that the numbers could rise in the coming months.
The report added that without adequate intervention, the risk to public health remains high, particularly in areas with a growing population of stray and unvaccinated dogs.
Urgent action, including policy reviews, increased funding, and improved veterinary services, will be crucial in controlling the spread of rabies and reducing the toll it takes on communities across Ghana.