The Veterinary Services Department of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture has launched a nationwide mass vaccination campaign targeting 25,000 dogs and cats in identified high-risk areas as Ghana steps up efforts to eliminate human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030.

The free vaccination exercise, which runs throughout September 2026, forms part of activities marking World Rabies Month under the theme, “Stronger Together.”

The Department is urging pet owners to take advantage of the campaign and ensure their dogs and cats are vaccinated against rabies, stressing that vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of the disease.

Although rabies is preventable, it is virtually 100 per cent fatal once symptoms develop. The Department has therefore appealed to the public to treat animal bites and scratches seriously by seeking immediate medical attention.

It has also urged members of the public to report animals involved in bites or scratches to the nearest veterinary centre to enable measures to be taken.

As part of the campaign, the Department will intensify public education through schools, religious institutions, traditional authorities, the media and community engagements. Educational videos and audio messages in Twi, Ga, Ewe and Hausa will also be disseminated to reach a wider section of the population.

The Department reminded pet owners that dogs and cats should be vaccinated against rabies every year. It also cautioned that failure to vaccinate pets may constitute an offence under applicable bye-laws of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs).

While vaccination will be provided free of charge during September, the prescribed fees will apply after the campaign period.

The Veterinary Services Department has further called on MMDAs, civil society organisations, religious and traditional authorities, development partners and the private sector to support the campaign with vaccines, logistics, public education and community mobilisation.

The Department said a coordinated effort among government agencies, communities, pet owners and other stakeholders would be critical to protecting people and animals and advancing Ghana’s goal of achieving zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030.

Grace Acheampong, ISD