Kwale residents sensitized on rabies eradication

Kenya Veterinary Association (KVA) and Kenya Medical Association (KMA) members during a conference before the vaccination exercise in Kwale.

Residents of Ukunda area in Kwale county have received free rabies vaccination services for their dogs, donkeys and cats from the Kenya Veterinary Association as one way of eradicating the disease in the area as the world marked the World Rabies Day.

The exercise, which took place in Ukunda, also saw victims of dog and cat bites get free treatment at the Mvindeni health center that was conducted by the Kenya Medical Association (KMA).

According to KVA National Chairman Kevin Osore, more than 2,000 dogs, 800 cats and 200 donkeys were vaccinated during the campaign to control the dogs and cats populations in line with the National Rabies Elimination Strategy of 2030.

“We are targeting the three animals because they are the most at risk when it comes to rabies and because rabies can be carried from these animals to human beings, we are also having the partnership with the Kenya Medical Association who are carrying out a medical camp at the Mvindeni Health Center,” he said.

Dr. Brenda Obondo, KMA Chief Executive Officer (CEO), said that the joint medical operation was geared towards streamlining services in human and animal health.

“We are here as the Kenya Medical Association and the Kenya Veterinary Association at Mvindeni dispensary following our conference for both human and veterinary doctors to offer services and sensitization on rabies and other healthcare services,” she said.

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The Kwale County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture and Fisheries Roman Shera said that rabies was rampant in Kwale county since most people especially the rural and semi urban populations do not understand the need of vaccinating their animals.

“Since January this year we have recorded 602 dog bites in the county and from that we only confirmed two cases of rabies victims but the statistics is from what we record yet there are many cases that go unreported,” he said.

Residents Mrs. Lilian Akinyi and Grace Katuku said that they were very happy to have received the free services where their dogs and cats were vaccinated.

“I have seven dogs and I just learned that when they change behaviour, it is because they need to be vaccinated,” she said.

By Nehemiah Okwembah

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