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In a decree signed by High Commissioner Kadiogo, it was learned that the 9th district of the 2nd district of Ouagadougou was declared “arrondissement 9”. Infection with rabies. Therefore, citizens are urged to remain vigilant and prevent dogs from leaving their yards. In the Ouidi area affected by rabies infection, Dogs continue to roam the streets To better understand the attitudes that prevent such cases, the Lefaso.net editorial team interviewed epidemiologist Dr. Abdoul Kader Ilboudo. As a founding member and human health coordinator of the Burkina Faso Rabies Free Association, he shared the organization’s contribution to the fight against rabies in Burkina Faso.
Lefaso.net: Could you please tell us a little bit about your association?
Abdoul Kader Ilboudo: The Association for a Rabies-Free Burkina Faso is a non-profit association created in 2020. It is dedicated to the fight against rabies. Its mission is to contribute to the total elimination of rabies in Burkina Faso. It is composed of professionals from different fields (human health, animal health, environmental protection, communication, sociology, etc.) who work together with a holistic approach to eliminate rabies in Burkina Faso.
How has your association contributed to the fight against rabies in Burkina Faso?
Our Association Burkina Faso Free of Rabies plays a vital role in the fight against rabies in Burkina Faso through interventions in several areas. First on the awareness front, we organize campaigns to educate people about the dangers of rabies and the preventive measures to be taken. Carried out in schools, communities and through the media, these activities help to increase general knowledge of the disease and its symptoms, thus encouraging appropriate behaviour. Then, we take specific preventive action, through vaccination campaigns against domestic carnivores (dogs and cats), the main vectors of the disease, in order to significantly reduce the spread of rabies. In recent years, we have carried out vaccination campaigns, in particular in Ouagadougou and Sabou, in collaboration with local authorities and certain international organizations that support us, which have helped control the spread of the disease.
We also carry out advocacy actions on human and animal health with health authorities and administrative and customary authorities, with a view to adopting public policies that favour the prevention and elimination of rabies. Advocacy also focuses on promoting a holistic approach (One Health) in public policies to combat rabies. Among other things, we can cite our significant contribution to the development of the framework documents (strategic plan, standard operating procedures) to combat rabies recently adopted in Burkina Faso.
Our association also brings together experts on rabies who provide specialized training on the disease to health professionals, veterinarians and communication professionals. This training helps to respond more effectively to cases of rabies exposure (bites, scratches, licks) and to communicate more effectively about rabies to the community.
In addition, our association conducts research on the transmission of rabies and the effectiveness of interventions to inform public policy and optimize strategies to combat the disease. We also collaborate with other international organizations to share knowledge and resources.
Through these various initiatives, Burkina Faso Rabies Free has made a significant contribution to reducing rabies in the country, with the ultimate goal of completely eradicating the disease.
As an actor involved in the fight against rabies, do you think people in Burkina Faso take good care of their pets in terms of health?
I noticed that healthcare for livestock in Burkina Faso is limited and faces several challenges.
On the one hand, awareness of the importance of veterinary care for livestock remains limited, both in rural and urban areas. In the specific case of rabies, vaccination of domestic carnivores is of course mandatory, but it is not adequately enforced. Access to veterinary services is often inadequate, with limited infrastructure and a small number of professionals. The cost of care can also be a barrier for many families in humanitarian contexts, who must make difficult choices between the health of their animals and other basic needs. In addition, cultural practices can also influence how animals are cared for.
To ensure that all livestock receive proper care, it is crucial to continue awareness campaigns and improve access to veterinary services. An integrated approach is needed to promote animal health in Burkina Faso.
What is the correct attitude to adopt in order to prevent animals from transmitting diseases to humans?
To prevent the spread of rabies from animals to humans, it is vital to take multiple preventive measures. First, routine vaccination of pets, especially dogs and cats, is essential to reduce the risk of spreading the disease. We must raise the responsibility of animal owners, who must ensure that their animals are vaccinated against rabies every year.
In the event of an animal bite or lick, the wound must be cleaned immediately with soap and water, followed by prompt consultation with a healthcare professional to assess the need for post-exposure treatment.
Raising public awareness of these measures and encouraging pet owners to take responsibility for vaccination and monitoring play a vital role in preventing rabies and protecting public health.
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Lefaso.com
Image source: Actu Niger
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