Rabies is a disease that is associated with very high case fatality rate. The disease is however, preventable by vaccination. World rabies day (WRD) inaugurated on September 8th 2007 by the World Health Organization is aimed at creating awareness among the public as a major step in the control of the disease. The event is now marked on the 28th September annually. Rabies is endemic in Nigeria among the domestic dogs and human exposure is common. From the year of inauguration of WRD there have not been much activities to create awareness in Makurdi Nigeria. Events planned and executed for rabies education and awareness should include visual arts, sports, public lectures, vaccination campaign dog parade, walks, school children education, workshops and distribution of WRD logo, branded souvenirs such as badges, note books and gift bags. The print media including local newspapers and educational leaflets and posters are also utilized. The electronic media especially the local radio stations are also involved through daily jingles aired during the WRD period. This paper looks at the efforts made for reaching the public with the message of rabies prevention and control in Makurdi by the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association Benue State Chapter during the 10th world rabies day on September 28th 2016. The public lecture on the day is also presented in this article.
Key words: Rabies, Public Education, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria, World Rabies Day
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