Agriculture Ministry, Partners Step Up Efforts to Eliminate Rabies Deaths by 2030
Alusine Ahmed Kargbo The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS), in collaboration with key partners, has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminate human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030, as Bombali District reports a concerning rise in dog bite incidents and suspected rabies cases.
Speaking at the 2026 World Rabies Day commemoration held at the De Wizzard Conference Hall in Bo Town on Monday, 28 September 2026, the Deputy Minister II of Agriculture and Food Security, Ing. Bryan Smart-Kanu, underscored government’s determination to tackle rabies under the One Health approach aligned with the Feed Salone agenda.
He noted that rabies remains almost always fatal once clinical symptoms appear but is entirely preventable through timely vaccination and proper post-exposure care.
Chief Minister Sengeh Asserts Independence of COI And Corruption Charges From Failed Coup Probe And Peace Talks
Currency Redenomination Challenges and Implication in Sierra Leone: An Economics Policy Analysis Perspective
President Bio Challenges World Leaders to Rethink Global Priorities at UN General Assembly
He outlined ongoing government interventions, including expanded mass dog vaccination campaigns, strengthened veterinary and surveillance systems, and improved coordination across human and animal health sectors. He, however, stressed that success depends on shared responsibility, urging pet owners to ensure routine vaccination of dogs and cats, and encouraging immediate medical attention for bite victims, including thorough washing of wounds with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes.
The Director of Livestock and Veterinary Services, Mr. Saidu Bamayange, highlighted the broader ecological risks associated with rabies transmission, noting that environmental degradation and encroachment into wildlife habitats are increasing human–animal interactions. He called for stronger surveillance systems, particularly in forest-edge communities, and emphasized responsible animal ownership as a key preventive measure.
Presenting district-level data, Assistant Director of Livestock and ISAVET National Coordinator, Mr. Salam Saidu, revealed a steady increase in dog bite cases in Bombali District, rising from 383 cases recorded between Week 1 and 38 in 2025 to 469 cases in the same period in 2026.
He further disclosed that 12 suspected rabies-related deaths were recorded in the district between January and August 2026, describing the situation as alarming and calling for urgent improvements in data sharing and coordination between animal and human health authorities.
Stakeholders present at the event included representatives from the National Public Health Agency under the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Population Services International (PSI), as well as students, teachers, and other partners in Bo District, all of whom reaffirmed support for efforts to make rabies a disease of the past in Sierra Leone.