This was to commemorate the International Day for the fight against rabies in Douala.
According to the World Health Organisation, about 55,000 people die every year as a result of rabies. Of these, 90 per cent are caused by dog bite, with over 40 per cent of the victims being youths aged between five and 16.
These figures were revealed by the Littoral Regional Delegate of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Husbandry, Sidi Bare, while launching activities to mark the International Day for the fight against rabies last Friday September 27. The celebrations to run up to October 10 will be marked by a massive vaccination campaign for domestic animals in the economic capital.
It would be noted that rabies is transmitted from dogs, cats and monkeys to humans through bites, licking or scratch. The disease is 100 per cent fatal, but 100 per cent preventive by vaccine.
The Littoral Region, the Delegate added, records between 200 and 300 reported cases of animal bites (mostly by dogs) per year, though many are not notified. The personnel of the Mboppi-based Wouri Divisional Delegation were therefore dispatched to the field, in order sensitise the public and carry out domestic animal vaccination at proximity.
Meanwhile, a series of vaccinations was administered to dogs that were brought to the delegation premises. The overall objective is to vaccinate at least 60 per cent of dogs in the Region, at reduced prices. The Wouri Divisional vaccination points include the MINEPIA Regional and Divisional Delegation at Mboppi, Logbaba, Logpom, Bonaberi, Youpwe, and council premises in Douala.
