What most persons know is that when one is bitten by a mad dog, he soon begins to bark and soon die.
Now, Barinade Beke Fakae, a renowned researcher and veterinary parasitologist, says there is a window of hope. Fakae was the vice chancellor of the then University of Science and Technology (UST, now Rivers State University, RSU), and one of Nigeria’s foremost researchers.
Fakae said in the week that rabies sits at the intersection of animal health, human health, and environmental conditions.
He was a keynote speaker at the World Rabies Day 2026 marked in Port Harcourt by the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), with the theme: Stronger Together.
A background shows that rabies is a fatal viral disease that attacks the central nervous system and is spread through the saliva of infected animals. Its spread is said to be through animal bites or scratches of an infected animal. Dogs stand out as major carrier worldwide, followed by bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes. In rural Africa, dogs are feared for rabies.
Deeper studies indicate that the virus ‘Travels slowly along your nerves from the wound to your brain’
What most Nigerians know is that the victim is barking like mad dog, but researchers say it begins with flu-like signs such as fever, headache, fatigue, and tingling or itching at the bite site.
Advanced stages show neurological signs such as agitation, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, and hydrophobia (fear of water due to painful throat spasms).
What is known is that once clinical symptoms appear, rabies is nearly 100% fatal, but veterinarians know about prevention and treatment beginning with immediate wound care such as washing the bite or scratch thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes. They also talk about post-exposure prophylaxis such as seeking emergency medical care immediately to receive a series of rabies vaccines and, if needed, human rabies immune globulin (HRIG) before symptoms start.
Hunt for the expert:
The Rivers State chapter of the NVMA searched for and found the professor of veterinary parasitology, Fakae, to lead in the discourse for 2026.
Gloria Daminabo and Chigoziri Peace Mbor lead the association, while Ibitoye Timothy is the chairman of the 2026 World Rabies Day event. In their letter to Fakae, they said the theme was complemented by their chosen sub- theme, ‘Stronger Together, Saving Lives.’
They said this sub-theme highlights the critical reality that their collective efforts were the most effective tool in the fight against rabies.
‘By unifying our diverse expertise through a ‘One Health’ approach, we can, more effectively, prevent the spread of this disease and, ultimately, save lives within our communities.’
They recognized Fakae’s leadership and extensive experience in the study which they said uniquely qualified him to guide the year’s discussion on the vital importance of professional synergy in achieving public health goals.
Fakae opens the gate of knowledge:
Fakae, who admitted that they were all united by a shared purpose, perfectly encapsulated in this year’s global theme, said these were not just inspiring words; ‘They represent the fundamental blueprint for eradicating one of the oldest and deadliest zoonotic diseases known to humanity.’
Rabies: A preventable tragedy
Declaring rabies as a preventable tragedy, Fakae said rabies remained one of the oldest and most feared zoonotic diseases known to humanity.
‘It remains a stark and unforgiving disease. ‘Once clinical symptoms appear, it is almost 100% fatal. Yet, paradoxically, it is also 100% preventable.’
He said the tragedy of rabies is not a lack of scientific understanding or the absence of a cure-there has been effective animal and human vaccines for over a century. ‘The tragedy lies in the gaps within our healthcare delivery, the silos in which our professions sometimes operate, and the lack of awareness at the community level.
How 21,000 victims die yearly in Africa
He declared: ‘Across Africa, an estimated 21,000 people die annually from rabies-most of them children. In Nigeria, dog-mediated rabies continues to pose a significant threat, especially in underserved communities where access to veterinary care, vaccines, and public health education is limited.
‘Rabies is not just a disease; it is a social and economic burden, a public health emergency, and a community tragedy that disproportionately affects the vulnerable.’
Harping on standing together, Fakae said this leads to the core of year’s message. ‘As the invitation letter rightly highlighted, our collective efforts are the most effective tool in this fight. We cannot achieve a rabies-free society if veterinarians operate independently of human medical doctors, or if public health officials work without engaging the communities they serve.
‘To save lives, we must embrace the ‘One Health’ approach. This strategy recognises that the health of people is inextricably linked to the health of animals and our shared environment.
‘The NVMA’s chosen sub-theme- ‘Stronger Together, Saving Lives’-is a powerful reminder that rabies control is not the responsibility of veterinarians alone. It is a One Health challenge, requiring synergy among: Veterinarians, medical doctors, environmental health officers, public health agencies, community leaders, policymakers, and dog owners and the public.’
He reaffirmed that rabies sits at the intersection of animal health, human health, and environmental conditions; therefore, response must be integrated, collaborative, and sustained. ‘When we work in silos, rabies thrives. When we work together, rabies retreats.
‘When a veterinarian vaccinates a dog in a rural community, they are not just protecting an animal; they are safeguarding the child who plays with that dog.
‘When a doctor treats a bite wound and administers prompt post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), they are saving a life that might otherwise be lost to a preventable tragedy. When we pool our diverse expertise, share surveillance data, and conduct joint public awareness campaigns, we multiply our impact exponentially.’
He said the fight against rabies is not a sprint; ‘It is a relay race that requires seamless handoffs between veterinary services, human health services, and the community. Let this World Rabies Day serve as a renewed commitment to that synergy. Let us tear down professional silos, share our resources, and communicate effectively.’
Saving Lives Through Collective Action:
To truly save lives, he said, we must strengthen collaboration in the following critical areas: Mass Dog Vaccination: The most effective strategy for eliminating rabies is vaccinating at least 70% of the dog population. This requires coordinated campaigns, community mobilisation, and government support.
The next is public awareness and education. He said many rabies deaths occur because victims do not know what to do after a dog bite. He said public education-especially in schools and rural communities- is essential.
On strengthening surveillance and reporting, he said underreporting remains a major challenge. ‘We must improve diagnostic capacity, reporting systems, and inter-agency communication.’
On accessible post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), the expert said no Nigerian should die because they cannot access PEP. ‘We must advocate for availability, affordability, and timely administration.’
On responsible dog ownership, Fakae said rabies control begins at home. ‘Dog owners must vaccinate, restrain, and care for their animals responsibly.’
On policy and legislative support, Fakae said rabies elimination required enabling laws, budgetary allocation, and enforcement of dog vaccination regulations.
The Role of NVMA in Rivers State:
He charged the NVMA Rivers State Chapter which he said had shown commendable leadership by organizing, saying their commitment to public health, community engagement, and professional excellence embodies the spirit of ‘Stronger Together.’
‘Your invitation letter highlights the importance of professional synergy, and indeed, veterinarians are indispensable in the fight against rabies. But your strength is amplified when you collaborate with medical doctors, public health experts, and community stakeholders.’
He called for renewal of commitment and challenged all to renew their commitment to rabies elimination. He listed actions and said, ‘Let us strengthen partnerships across sectors, advocate for government investment, educate our communities, vaccinate our dogs, improve surveillance, support research and innovation, and above all, work together.’
This, he said, is because no single profession, agency, or individual can eliminate rabies alone. ‘But together, we can build a future where rabies is no longer a threat in Rivers State, in Nigeria, or anywhere in the world.’
In his conclusion, the professor made it clear that every life lost to rabies was a life that could have been saved. ‘Let us also remember that every rabies death is a systemic failure. But together, armed with the ‘One Health’ framework, we have the power to rewrite this narrative.
‘Let us pledge to work hand-in-hand to ensure that not a single life in Rivers State, or anywhere in Nigeria, is lost to rabies again. The theme ‘Stronger Together, Saving Lives’ is not just a slogan-it is a mandate. Let us rise to that mandate with unity, purpose, and unwavering commitment.’