NMA Rivers Strengthens Medical-Veterinary Collaboration on Rabies Prevention

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Rivers State Branch, has strengthened collaboration with veterinary professionals on rabies prevention and the achievement of zero human deaths from the disease by 2030.

The NMA Rivers State Public Relations Officer, Dr. Duukori Thankgod, disclosed this in a statement dated September 28, 2026.

The NMA Chairman, Dr. (Prof.) Ureh Annabel Oparaodu, represented by the Assistant General Secretary, Dr. Godwin Iche, participated in the 2026 World Rabies Day celebration organised by the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Rivers State Chapter.

The event, held at Rivers State University, brought together medical and veterinary professionals, academics and other stakeholders to deliberate on coordinated approaches to rabies prevention.

The celebration, themed “Stronger Together,” with the sub-theme “Stronger Together – Saving Lives,” highlighted the importance of the One Health approach in tackling rabies through public awareness, animal vaccination, early recognition of exposure, appropriate post-exposure care, surveillance and coordinated action across sectors.

The event was followed by a joint on-air session featuring resource persons from the NMA and NVMA, Rivers State chapters, who educated the public on rabies from medical and veterinary perspectives and stressed the shared responsibility of protecting lives and improving public knowledge of the disease.