The Beninese government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening disease surveillance, prevention, and response in the country. On November 3, 2026, the government celebrated the 11th edition of World One Health Day in Cotonou, emphasizing the need for a collective response to health threats. The event, held at the Fleuve Jaune Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, brought together several government officials, territorial authorities, health professionals, environmental actors, technical and financial partners, and civil society organizations.
The Minister of Health, Benjamin Ignace Bodounrin Hounkpatin, highlighted the importance of a unified response to emerging health threats. He noted that most infectious diseases affecting humans originate from animals, with factors such as ecosystem pressure, climate change, urbanization, and increased exchanges contributing to their emergence. In Benin, 1,809 dog bites were reported in the first half of 2026, a rise from the previous year, prompting the government to intensify efforts to combat rabies.
To address the rising number of dog bites, the government organized a subsidized anti-rabies vaccination campaign for pets from September 15 to October 15, 2026. The campaign was technically coordinated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries. Additional measures include strengthening community awareness through a network of nearly 16,000 community health workers, providing care for those bitten according to existing protocols, and enforcing prefectural decrees prohibiting animal wandering.
The government aims to achieve zero human deaths from rabies by 2030. Minister Hounkpatin emphasized that the health of humans, animals, and the environment cannot be considered separately. The theme of the 11th World One Health Day celebration, "Uniting sectors for the health of people, animals, and ecosystems," underscores the interconnectedness of these aspects.
The Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries, Adin Yeton Bloukounon Goubalan, drew attention to the often-overlooked dimension of plant health. He explained that diseases affecting crops can lead to increased pesticide use, with consequences for producers, soils, fauna, and flora. The Minister of Health also reported that Benin has prioritized several zoonotic diseases, including avian influenza, rabies, anthrax, and hemorrhagic fevers, since 2019.
Despite progress, several challenges persist, including strengthening the surveillance system, improving information sharing between sectors, and mobilizing resources for a rapid and coordinated response. The Minister of Environment, Georges Alé, emphasized that environmental protection is a strategic investment in public health. He called for enhanced synergy between ministries responsible for environment, health, and agriculture, as well as better integration of health and ecological imperatives into development policies.
The government is urging sustained mobilization from institutions, territorial authorities, professionals, and communities to make the One Health approach a permanent principle of public action. The authorities also stress the importance of community involvement, with qualified community health workers and community relays playing a vital role in awareness-raising, early risk detection, and alerting competent services.
Key points
- Benin reports 1,809 dog bites in the first half of 2026, prompting intensified efforts to combat rabies.
- The government aims to achieve zero human deaths from rabies by 2030.
- The One Health approach emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
