Ghana has commenced a nationwide free rabies vaccination campaign targeting 25,000 dogs and cats in identified high-risk areas as part of efforts to eliminate human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030.
The campaign forms part of World Rabies Month 2026 and supports Ghana’s commitment to achieving zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030.
The Veterinary Services Department of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) announced the campaign under the theme “Stronger Together.”
In a statement signed by the Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Emmanuel Allegye-Cudjoe, the Department said the vaccination exercise would be provided free of charge throughout September 2026, after which the prescribed vaccination fee would apply.
Public education intensified
Dr Allegye-Cudjoe said public education would be intensified through schools, religious institutions, traditional and social media, as well as community engagements.
He said educational videos and audio messages in Twi, Ga, Ewe and Hausa would also be widely disseminated to improve public awareness about rabies prevention.
The Chief Veterinary Officer urged pet owners to ensure that their dogs and cats receive annual rabies vaccinations.
He also advised the public to report any animal bite or scratch immediately to the nearest health facility and notify the nearest veterinary centre about the animal involved.
“Rabies is virtually 100 per cent fatal once symptoms develop, but it is preventable through vaccination,” Dr Allegye-Cudjoe said.
Pet owners warned
The Veterinary Services Department further cautioned that failure to vaccinate pets may constitute an offence under applicable Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assembly (MMDA) by-laws.
It called on MMDAs, civil society organisations, religious and traditional authorities, development partners and private-sector organisations to support the campaign.
According to the Department, support could include the provision of vaccines and logistics, public education, and community mobilisation to help expand the reach of the vaccination exercise.
The campaign is expected to strengthen efforts to prevent rabies infections and advance Ghana’s goal of achieving zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030.
