A bite from unvaccinated dog could easily trigger rabies. Counties have been urged to allocate funds for vaccinating the dogs so as to prevent the development of rabies. [Photo: zhahhks.com]
County governments have been urged to channel more funds for vaccination of dogs in a bid to eliminate rabies.
Dr Athman Mwatondo, the Zoonotic Diseases Unit (ZDU) head observed that vaccination was key in the extermination of the disease which reportedly claims 1,000 lives in the country annually.
Dr Mwatondo spoke on Tuesday during the launch of World Rabies Day Marathon be held on September 28, 2017 to commemorate World Rabies Day to be held in Kisumu.
The Medic stated revealed that Kenya is among the countries committed to eradicating the menace by 2030 adding that the Country continues to record a high number of the cases due to her location.
The Zoonotic Diseases Unit, he stated has established strategies to assist county governments to install measures to curb the fatal disease in humans.
Post Exposure Prophylaxis vaccine which is available in the country, he said costs Sh. 10,000 which average Kenyans who are the most affected cannot afford.
The Zoonotic Diseases Unit, he added has stepped up sensitization programs across the country to create awareness about the disease while at the same time ensure that those who keep dogs feed them well and take them for regular immunization.
He disclosed that Kisumu has been earmarked among other four counties for rapid vaccination programs piloted by the county governments to ensure that rabies is eliminated.
Diagnosis of the disease remains challenging in developing countries since it is spread through the veins adding that most patients die after acquiring it.
Kisumu County Deputy Governor Mathews Owili said the County government shall allocate funds to scale up the vaccination program.
Scientists and doctors from across the country are expected in Kisumu for a conference on 27th September 2017 as part of the commemorations.
During the conference, experts are expected to brainstorm on how best to eliminate the disease ahead of 2030