The Kpone-Katamanso Municipal Assembly (KKMA) in collaboration with Mission rabies on 11th February, 2022 launched the mission rabies mass dog anti rabies vaccination. The launching was on the theme “Let us collaborate to end rabies”. The launching was also to sensitize residents on the need to participate in the free vaccination exercise.
Hon. Amanquah delivering his speech
The Municipal chief Executive of KKMA; Hon Samuel Okoe Amanquah in his welcome address expressed his profound gratitude to mission rabies for collaborating with the Municipal Assembly to embark on the free vaccination exercise. He urged participants gathered to educate people on the need to take simple steps to keep themselves and their families safe from rabies.
The chairman for the program; Dr. Seth Amanquah in his opening remark stated that, there is a strong link between humans and animals. He said, about 60% of human infectious disease are transmitted by animals. 3 out of every 5 new infectious disease are caused by animals and with this, it is important to talk about rabies and how to end it. Dr. Amanquah said, the key objective was to eradicate rabies in the next 8 years to come and this can be effectively carried out through mass dog vaccination.
Dr. Fenteng Danso; National Epidemiologist from Veterinary Service Directorate in his speech stated that, rabies can be prevented by vaccinating dogs, preventing dog bites and getting prompt vaccination if bitten. He said veterinary service department hope to target over 45 communities in the Municipality. Dr. Danso said, rabies elimination in Ghana will therefore be achieved through mass dog vaccination, targeting 70% and above vaccination coverage annually for at least 5 years followed by a maintenance phase. He added that, dogs of all ages will be vaccinated annually and responsible dog ownership practices such as registration will be promoted.
Municipal Health Director addressing the people
The Municipal Director of Health Services; Dr. Esther Priscilla Danquah revealed that, Kpone-Katamanso Municipality is one of the few Municipalities practicing the one health approach which involves humans, animals and environment. She stated that, Ghana recorded a total number of 15,296 dog bite cases in 2020 and 16288 in 2021. She said, Kpone-Katamanso Municipal Assembly over the years has recorded increasing trends in dog bite cases. The Health directorate for Kpone-Katamanso have recorded 289 dog bite cases in 2019, 243 in 2020, 248 in 2021 and one death in June last year. She added that, there is the need to have a sustained and continuous education as well as sensitization on rabies and vaccination of dogs.
Cross section of Heads of Department during the launch
Dignitaries present at the program were; the presiding member; Hon Joseph Gbeze, African project Director; Dr. Jordana Burdon Bailey, the paramount chief of Kpone; Nii Tettey Out II, Kpone police commander; Commander Seth Tay, Regional Veterinary officer; Dr. Joseph Abuah, Mission rabbies Ghana Coordinator; Dr. Moses Djimatey, Dr. Anthony Akunzule, Dr. Mickey Aryee, Dr. Benita Djambah, Hon. Assembly Members, staff of KKMA and the Media.