The Veterinary Services Department of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture has commenced a nationwide free rabies vaccination campaign targeting 25,000 dogs and cats in identified high-risk areas.
The exercise, which began in September 2026, aimed at marking World Rabies Month under the theme “Stronger Together” and supports Ghana’s goal of achieving zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030.
According to the Department, vaccination will be provided free of charge throughout September 2026, after which the prescribed fees will apply.
The campaign will also include intensified public education on rabies prevention through schools, religious institutions, traditional and social media platforms, as well as community engagements.
The Veterinary Services Department has urged all pet owners to ensure that their dogs and cats are vaccinated against rabies every year.
It has also advised the public to report animal bites or scratches immediately to the nearest health facility and notify the nearest veterinary centre about the animal involved.
The Department stressed that rabies is virtually 100 per cent fatal once symptoms develop, although the disease is preventable through timely vaccination.
Pet owners have therefore been reminded that failure to vaccinate a dog or cat may constitute an offence under applicable Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assembly (MMDA) bye-laws.
The Department is also calling on MMDAs, civil society organisations, religious and traditional authorities, development partners and private sector organisations to support the campaign with vaccines, logistics, public education and community mobilisation.
The nationwide exercise is expected to help increase vaccination coverage among domestic animals while strengthening public awareness and prevention efforts against rabies.
