Kisumu County today joined the rest of the world in commemorating world rabies day at Pap Kadundo, Seme Sub County.
Statistics shows that the prevalence of this disease in about 150 countries worldwide is killing 60,000 people annually.
Therefore with renewed vigor and commitment to eradicate the disease, under this year’s theme is “All for 1; one health for all” has highlighted issues that would lead to complete eradication of the disease.
The eradication measures include: education, surveillance, data sharing, mass vaccination , timely pre and post exposure treatment, keeping dogs at home not roaming freely, collaboration and timely diagnosis will lead to one health for everyone.
While representing Governor Nyong’o during the event , the CECM for Agriculture, Irrigation Livestock and Fisheries, Hon Kenn Onyango who read the Governor’s speech stated that within the years 2019 to 2023, Kisumu reported 1,640 cases of dog bites, of which 30 were confirmed rabies cases while 10 people lost their lives.
Within the same period the County Government in it’s commitment to eradicate rabies, procured 63,060 doses of anti rabies vaccines to a tune of13,873,200million
Through championing collaborations with partners and upscaling investments in the war to eradicate rabies, Zipline Company using drone technology, has reduced time wastage and delays in health product supply just as was witnessed today as it delivered rabies vaccines at Pap Kadundo during the event.
Being cognizant to “one health for all” slogan, an intersectoral multidisciplinary approach has been instituted to harness cooperation of professional teams for human, animal and environment health sectors to enhance mitigation of zoonotic disease management.
Hon . Onyango reiterated that preventing diseases before they occur will mean a heathier and more productive population and lower health management cost.
His clarion call to the pet owners is to promote responsible animal and pet keeping as they play their role in eradicating rabies.
The event was graced by County officials from livestock sector, local administrators from both county and national governments, officials from Zipline Company, pet owners among others.
