The Western Regional Directorate of the Ghana Education Service (GES) has launched a campaign to educate pupils in the Western Region about rabies. This initiative is part of the activities to commemorate this year’s World Rabies Day, celebrated on September 30. The campaign aims to safeguard children against rabies by providing them with essential information on the disease.
According to the GES, children are particularly vulnerable to dog bites and other animal exposures, making them a key focus group for this campaign. The disease is described as a deadly but preventable zoonotic disease that affects both humans and animals. Once clinical signs develop, it is almost invariably fatal. However, human deaths can be prevented through vaccination of dogs and other susceptible animals.
The theme of this year’s World Rabies Day celebration is “Act Now: You, Me, Community,” emphasizing the need for concerted efforts to prevent the spread of rabies. The GES has urged Directors of Education to inform heads of schools to support and create awareness about rabies, emphasizing key messages in classrooms, during club meetings, morning assemblies, and school worship.
The GES has issued a statement advising school children to desist from approaching, teasing, provoking, or playing with stray or unfamiliar dogs. School heads and pupils are also reminded to report any dog or animal exhibiting unusual behavior, excessive salivation, aggression, paralysis, or other signs suggestive of rabies. This will enable prompt action to prevent the spread of the disease.
In the event of a dog bite or scratch, children are advised to immediately inform a parent or responsible adult. The statement also advises that bite wounds should be washed thoroughly with soap under running water, followed by immediate medical attention. Parents and guardians are urged to ensure that dogs and other animals are vaccinated against rabies and to seek only appropriate medical treatment in case of an incident.
The GES has also appealed to schools to report suspected rabies exposures to veterinary and health authorities. This will facilitate a coordinated response to prevent the spread of the disease. By working together, the GES aims to reduce the incidence of rabies in the Western Region and protect the health of school children.
The campaign is being led by the Western Regional Director of Education, Mr. Emmanuel Essuman, who has signed a statement issued to Directors of Education in the region. The statement has been copied to the Ghana News Agency, highlighting the importance of collaboration and awareness in preventing the spread of rabies.
Key points
- The Ghana Education Service is working to educate pupils in the Western Region about rabies.
- Children are particularly vulnerable to dog bites and other animal exposures.
- The campaign aims to prevent the spread of rabies through vaccination, responsible interactions with animals, and prompt medical attention.
