Nigeria is strengthening dog vaccination, surveillance and public awareness as part of the global goal of ending human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030, WHO’s Africa Regional Office reported on 7 October 2026.
The One Health approach coordinates human, animal and environmental-health institutions. Veterinary authorities lead animal surveillance and vaccination, while health services track possible human exposure and access to care.
The country reported more than 100 animal rabies cases across 16 states between January and August. That figure refers to animals, not to human deaths or confirmed human cases.
WHO emphasised prompt medical assessment after suspected exposure, alongside vaccination and prevention at the animal source. The programme’s 2030 goal is a target, not a declaration that rabies has already been eliminated. Sustained cooperation, reporting and access to care remain central to implementation.
