The Kano State Government has approved the sum of ₦99 million for the implementation of Phase I of its Anti-Rabies Control Programme in a renewed effort to strengthen public health and boost livestock development across the state.

The approval was granted under the leadership of Abba Kabir Yusuf as part of the administration’s commitment to protecting residents from preventable but deadly diseases.

The programme, which will be coordinated by the Kano State Ministry of Livestock Development, aims to vaccinate at least 10,000 dogs in the first phase.

The press release was signed by Halima Sani Gadanya, Director of Public Enlightenment at the Kano State Ministry of Livestock Development.

The Honourable Commissioner for Livestock Development, Aliyu Isah Aliyu, will oversee the exercise.

Rabies is a viral disease that affects both animals and humans and is most commonly transmitted through dog bites.

Health experts warn that once clinical symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal, making prevention through mass vaccination the most effective control strategy.

Speaking on the initiative, Dr Aliyu described the programme as a critical intervention to safeguard public health and improve animal welfare in Kano State.

He stressed the ministry’s determination to work closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure successful implementation.

As part of broader efforts to eliminate rabies, the ministry also plans to conduct a statewide dog census.

The exercise is expected to generate reliable data to support effective planning, monitoring and long-term control measures.

Dr Aliyu called on residents to cooperate with vaccination teams by presenting their dogs for immunisation and supporting all measures aimed at curbing the spread of rabies.

The Kano State Government reaffirmed its commitment to implementing impactful policies and programmes that promote public health, enhance livestock development and ensure the safety and well-being of citizens.