The commemoration of World Rabies Day on Saturday, September 28, 2024, saw a strong mobilization of animal health professionals in particular and all the sectors concerned in general.

“Breaking the barriers of rabies” is the theme chosen for the celebration of this 18th World Rabies Day. The Minister of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries, Dr. Taïga, led the various activities of this celebration at the esplanade of the Yaoundé 7 City Hall, with at his side the Secretary General of his ministerial department, the President of the National Order of Veterinary Doctors in Cameroon, the administrative authorities as well as many experts and professionals in the field.

The representative of the Mayor of Yaoundé 7, during his welcome speech, expressed his gratitude for the choice of their site to host this ceremony and at the same time, reaffirmed their commitment to the fight for the eradication of rabies not only within their community of Minkoameyos but also throughout the national territory.

Then, it was Dr. Taïga’s turn to underline the relevance of the theme chosen for this 18th edition: “”Breaking the barriers of rabies”, this theme has a double connotation, first of all the recognition of the existence of anthropological barriers on rabies and the cross-border nature of rabies itself. To achieve the global goal of eliminating rabies by the year 2000, it is important to break down together these barriers that currently prevent the proper control of this disease (…) it is a question of breaking down the barriers between sectors and highlighting the vital role of the One Health approach,” he said. The minister then launched the vast free vaccination campaign for dogs, cats and monkeys planned for that day by administering the very first dose of vaccine himself.

A little moment of entertainment was offered by the pet training professionals featuring dogs obedient to the finger and eye of their masters, thus reminding them of the need to treat their pet with love and tenderness, in order to make them a faithful and loyal companion.

The ceremony ended with a family photo and of course the pets, under the guidance of their owners, were vaccinated free of charge by the professionals mobilized for this purpose, throughout the day. A total of 572 animals were vaccinated that day.