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Tag: Rabies

  • Rabies kills 12-year-old in Asokore

    Rabies kills 12-year-old in Asokore

    A 12-year-old girl from Asokore in the Sekyere East District of the Ashanti Region has died after contracting rabies from a bite inflicted by a three-month-old dog, the District Director of Health, Dr. Justice Ofori-Amoah, has confirmed.

    The tragic incident occurred in October 2024 when the child was bitten on her left leg. Two weeks later, she began to experience itching at the site of the bite, followed by worsening symptoms including severe headaches, fever, and nausea on Monday, February 10.

    Later that evening, her condition deteriorated further as she displayed signs of “disorientation, aggression, and trouble concentrating.” She was rushed to the Effiduase Government Hospital for treatment but sadly passed away on February 11 at around 6 p.m.

    “Unfortunately, this bite, which happened last year, has claimed the life of a young child in 2025—a death that could have been prevented,” Dr. Ofori-Amoah said during the district’s annual performance review meeting. He expressed concern about the “worrying trends affecting schoolchildren who are the future of this country.”

    This marks the first recorded rabies-related death in the district this year. The incident comes just weeks after an extensive public awareness campaign on rabies prevention, which targeted schoolchildren, health professionals, community leaders, and traditional authorities.

    In 2024, the district accounted for two out of five confirmed rabies cases in the Ashanti Region, prompting health officials to intensify efforts to curb the disease. Dr. Ofori-Amoah stressed the importance of seeking “immediate medical attention following any bite from dogs, cats, or monkeys,” even if symptoms of rabies are not immediately apparent.

    In response to the growing threat of rabies, the Sekyere East District Health Directorate, in partnership with the veterinary department, launched a mass vaccination campaign in January 2024. The exercise, which began in Ahwerewa, aimed to immunize dogs and cats in high-risk areas.

    District Veterinary Officer Irene Efua Acquah noted that communities with larger dog populations posed a heightened risk for rabies outbreaks. She also addressed misconceptions around vaccination, stating, “Vaccinating dogs does not affect their hunting instincts. We must dispel these misconceptions.”

    The vaccination campaign is expected to expand to other communities, including Nustem, Okaikrom, Obaapaninkrom, and Attakrom. Acquah urged residents to take dog bite incidents seriously, stressing, “Every bite should be treated with urgency—visit the hospital and receive proper treatment before considering any other action.”

  • 61,796 animals vaccinated against rabies; 91 cases recorded so far – Veterinary Service Directorate

    61,796 animals vaccinated against rabies; 91 cases recorded so far – Veterinary Service Directorate

    The Veterinary Service Directorate of Ghana has indicated that in the fight against rabies, a total of 61,796 animals—comprising 57,439 dogs and 4,357 cats were vaccinated between January and September 2024.

    Among the regions, Greater Accra recorded the highest number of animals vaccinated, with 11,929 dogs and 1,672 cats, totaling 13,601 animals.

    The Upper East Region followed with 7,653 animals vaccinated, including 6,910 dogs and 743 cats, while the Ashanti Region recorded 7,141 animals vaccinated, comprising 6,820 dogs and 321 cats. The Eastern Region and Bono Region also reported significant numbers, vaccinating 6,159 and 5,281 animals respectively.

    In contrast, the North East Region reported the lowest vaccination figures, with only 1,020 dogs and 1 cat vaccinated, amounting to 1,021 animals. Similarly, the Oti Region had low numbers, with 651 dogs and 6 cats vaccinated.

    Other regions with relatively low vaccination numbers include the Savannah Region, which vaccinated 707 animals (611 dogs and 96 cats), and the Western North Region, which vaccinated 1,122 animals (1,102 dogs and 20 cats).

    However, the challenge remains as 91 positive cases of rabies have been recorded nationwide within the same period.

    Greater Accra recorded the highest number of dog rabies cases, with 34 cases reported. The Bono Region followed with 18 cases, while the North East Region recorded 14 cases. The Western Region reported 11 cases, and the Ashanti Region had 8 cases. On the other hand, the Upper West Region reported the lowest number of cases, with only 2 cases recorded.

    As of September, 26 human fatalities were recorded due to rabies.

    One of the most prevalent zoonotic diseases (illnesses that are transmitted from animals to humans, often through direct contact with animals or through vectors like ticks and fleas) in Ghana is rabies, a viral disease that is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. The disease is commonly spread through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, primarily dogs.

    In Ghana, over 2.5 million dogs are currently unvaccinated or under-vaccinated, a major factor contributing to the spread of rabies.

    The Ministry of Food and Agriculture, in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service and development partners, launched the National Rabies Prevention Campaign in 2023. The campaign, themed “Prevent the Bite or Scratch! Vaccinate your Dog! Stop Rabies Now!” seeks to vaccinate 70% of Ghana’s dog population over a 3 to 5-year period, which is necessary to achieve herd immunity and significantly reduce the spread of rabies.

    Veterinary technologist at the Directorate, Mr. Eshun in an engagement with The Independent Ghana explained the vaccination campaign faces several challenges. One major issue is the inability of pet owners to control or restrain their dogs during vaccination campaigns.

    President of the Veterinary Medical Technologists Association of Ghana (VEMTAG), Emmanuel Eshun

    “The Service is faced with challenges because owners of the animals cannot hold them,” he noted. Additionally, the vaccination efforts are underfunded. He highlighted additional costs such as publicity for vaccination campaigns, staff transportation, and motivation for those administering the vaccines.

    “The percentage of treated rabies cases is still low because you need a lot of funding. The vaccination is not just about the vaccine itself; the activities surrounding the vaccination should also be costed. That is where we always get it wrong,” Mr Eshun said.

    Mr. Eshun stressed the need for greater government commitment to addressing the challenges surrounding animal care in Ghana, adding that without sustained investment in animal health, the risk of zoonotic disease outbreaks will remain high.

    Among other matters, Emmanuel Eshun has expressed concern over the poor animal care practices in Ghana, warning that they are contributing to the spread of zoonotic diseases.

    He stressed that the careless treatment of animals—particularly the lack of vaccination, proper housing, and health care—creates an environment ripe for the transmission of zoonotic diseases.

    “The inability of some Ghanaians to access their own basic needs prevents them from prioritizing the welfare of animals,” he noted, adding that wild animals kept as pets are also a growing concern in terms of disease transmission.

    Mr Eshun explained that ectoparasites—external parasites like ticks, fleas, and mites—play a significant role in the transmission of zoonotic diseases. These parasites, which thrive in environments where animals are poorly cared for, can carry dangerous pathogens that affect both animals and humans.

    A lack of regular animal grooming and hygiene contributes to the spread of ectoparasites, increasing the risk of diseases such as Lyme disease, scabies, and flea-borne illnesses.

    “A lot of people cannot bathe their animals. If you cannot bathe your animal, it means that the tendency for the animal to have a lot of ectoparasites is higher,” Mr Eshun stated.

    Poor grooming and hygiene, combined with a lack of regular health checks, leave many animals vulnerable to infections, which can eventually spill over into human populations.

  • Rabies claims 7 lives in Upper East Region since Jan 2024

    Rabies claims 7 lives in Upper East Region since Jan 2024

    The Upper East Region has recorded seven fatalities due to rabies, with nine suspected cases reported in 2024, according to regional health authorities.

    These alarming statistics were shared during the World Rabies Day event held in Bolgatanga on Saturday, under the theme “Breaking Rabies Boundaries.”

    Collins Yin, a Health Promotion Officer at the Upper East Regional Health Directorate, indicated that the Bolgatanga Municipality had three suspected rabies cases, one of which resulted in death.

    In the Bongo District, all three suspected cases led to fatalities, while the Garu District reported two suspected cases, both proving fatal. Additionally, the Nabdam District documented one case of rabies that resulted in the individual’s death.

    Mr Yin emphasized the importance of vaccinating pets, especially dogs, to prevent further tragedies, stating, “We can prevent these unnecessary deaths if people ensure their dogs are vaccinated.”

    Dr. Henry Nii Ayi Anang, the Regional Veterinary Officer, shared that from January to September 2023, 5,410 dogs and 1,631 cats were vaccinated in the Upper East Region.

    However, he highlighted the urgent need for more action, noting that approximately 100,000 dogs in the region remain unvaccinated.

    “There is a need for concerted efforts to raise awareness and increase vaccination rates. Rabies is a deadly disease, and we must take every step to protect ourselves and our animals,” Dr. Anang said.

    The event, organized by The Light Foundation with the support of USAID and fhi360, brought together health and veterinary officials to discuss effective strategies for rabies eradication.

    Sheikh Ali Abubakar Napari, CEO of The Light Foundation, lamented the prevalent ignorance surrounding the significance of vaccinating pets.

    “Many pet owners do not understand how dangerous rabies is. We must do more to educate the public and ensure every dog, cat, and pet is vaccinated” he asserted, committing to his organization’s goal of eliminating rabies by 2030.

    “There is a need for concerted efforts to raise awareness and increase vaccination rates. Rabies is a deadly disease, and we must take every step to protect ourselves and our animals,” Dr. Anang said.

    Rabies, a viral disease transmitted through bites or scratches from infected animals, poses a serious public health threat. Without timely vaccination following exposure, the disease is almost always fatal.

  • Over 2.3 million unvaccinated dogs roaming in Ghana – Veterinary Service 

    Over 2.3 million unvaccinated dogs roaming in Ghana – Veterinary Service 

    The Veterinary Service has raised alarm over the low number of vaccinated dogs in Ghana, revealing that only 170,000 out of the estimated 2.5 million dogs in the country have received vaccinations.

    The Service warned that this low vaccination rate poses a serious risk to communities, as unvaccinated dogs can transmit rabies, a fatal disease. To meet the global goal of eradicating rabies deaths, at least 70% of Ghana’s dog and cat populations must be vaccinated.

    Rabies, primarily contracted from dogs, cats, and monkeys, kills around 55,000 people globally each year. From 2018 to 2024, Ghana recorded over 600 confirmed rabies outbreaks, with the Ashanti, Greater Accra, Upper East, Western, and Central regions experiencing the highest numbers.

    Between 2020 and 2024, the Ashanti Region alone recorded 34 positive rabies cases and two deaths. This year’s World Rabies Day was marked in the Atwima Nwabiagya North District, where a 6-year-old girl tragically lost her life to rabies in April.

    District Health Director Dr. Eric Sarpong, speaking at the event, called for a unified effort to prevent future rabies-related deaths in the country.

    Dr. Mabel Abudu, the Ashanti Regional Director of Veterinary Services, highlighted that the country remains at risk due to the public’s reluctance to vaccinate their pets. She urged local assemblies to enforce laws on responsible pet ownership by arresting those who fail to vaccinate their animals.

    “People should be responsible for pets. Once you go for them, you need to budget for them. If you know you can’t take care of them, don’t go for them. Sadly, our animal welfare system isn’t functioning as it should. But once you fail to vaccinate your animal, you should be arrested,” she stated.

  • Rabies: Citizens must be arrested for failing to vaccinate their pets – Veterinary Service 

    Rabies: Citizens must be arrested for failing to vaccinate their pets – Veterinary Service 

    The Veterinary Service has issued a stern warning, urging local assemblies to arrest dog owners who fail to vaccinate their pets, stating that such negligence poses a significant threat to lives in their communities.

    The Service expressed concern that out of Ghana’s 2.5 million dogs, only 170,000 have been vaccinated as the world commemorates World Rabies Day.

    It emphasized that Ghana can only achieve the global goal of eradicating rabies deaths if 70% of dogs and cats are vaccinated.

    Rabies, which is primarily contracted from dogs, cats, and monkeys, claims approximately 55,000 lives globally each year. Between 2018 and 2024, Ghana recorded over 600 confirmed rabies outbreaks, with the Ashanti, Greater Accra, Upper East, Western, and Central regions being the hardest hit.

    The Ashanti Region alone recorded 34 positive rabies cases and two deaths between 2020 and 2024. This year’s World Rabies Day commemoration took place in the Atwima Nwabiagya North District, where a 6-year-old girl tragically died from rabies in April.

    Speaking in solidarity with the bereaved family, District Health Director Dr. Eric Sarpong stressed the need for collective action to prevent further rabies-related deaths in the country.

    Dr. Mabel Abudu, the Ashanti Regional Director of Veterinary Services, highlighted that the nation remains at risk of further rabies outbreaks because many pet owners are neglecting the annual vaccination of their dogs.

    She called for stricter enforcement of laws, urging that people who fail to vaccinate their pets should face consequences. “People should be responsible for pets. Once you go for them, you need to budget for them. If you know you can’t take care of them, don’t go for them. Sadly, our animal welfare system isn’t functioning as it should. But once you fail to vaccinate your animal, you should be arrested,” she stated.

  • Rabies kills 26 people within 7 months this year – Veterinary Department

    Rabies kills 26 people within 7 months this year – Veterinary Department

    Twenty-six people have lost their lives to rabies out of 31 reported cases across nine regions in Ghana this year.

    The Greater Accra Region recorded the highest number of fatalities with six, followed by the Central and North East regions, each reporting four deaths.

    The Western Region saw three deaths, while Western North and Upper West recorded two each. The Eastern, Ashanti, and Upper East regions had one death each.

    This information was disclosed by Dr. Emmanuel Allegye-Cudjoe, Chief Veterinary Officer at the Veterinary Department, during the launch of World Rabies Day (WBD) in Accra.

    The event, held last Thursday under the theme “Breaking Rabies Boundaries,” is part of a global effort to raise awareness about rabies, a deadly disease that claims over 55,000 lives annually, with 56 percent of fatalities occurring in Africa.

    Dr. Allegye-Cudjoe expressed concern over the increasing number of stray and unvaccinated dogs, particularly in urban areas such as Accra and Kumasi, where rabies cases have been most prevalent.

    “In 2016, the number of human deaths from rabies had escalated to 57 from 25, recorded between 2009 and 2011. From 2020 to 2023, 793 suspected cases of human rabies were reported resulting in 77 deaths while by the end of 2023, 331 suspected cases were recorded with the Greater Accra Region accounting for 112 of the cases for the period,” he stated.

    He emphasized that although rabies is preventable through vaccination, many cases stem from poor public awareness and negligence among pet owners who fail to vaccinate or properly confine their animals.

    In preparation for the World Rabies Day on September 28, the Veterinary Department, in collaboration with stakeholders, is conducting a nationwide free or low-cost pet vaccination campaign. The campaign aims to increase rabies awareness through media outreach.

    Dr. Allegye-Cudjoe revealed that the government has procured over one million rabies vaccines for this year’s exercise.

    He added that experts are advocating for amendments to the Animal Health Bill 2020, which would enhance rabies control and improve overall animal welfare in the country.

    “The government has obtained over one million doses of rabies vaccines for the exercise this year while experts are also pushing for the review of the Animal Act under the Animal Health Bill 2020 which will improve rabies control in the country and generally, how animals are handled”.

    He urged the public to maintain cleanliness in their surroundings, report animal bites to veterinary clinics immediately, and ensure their pets receive regular vaccinations.

    Dr. Benjamin Sasu, Risk Communications Officer for the Veterinary Services Department, announced that this year’s WBD activities will extend over six months to cover the entire country due to the rising cases of rabies.

    “Our main goal is to eradicate rabies in Ghana, especially among children who are most vulnerable to dog bites and scratches so we intend to go to all the regions and engage in awareness creation activities in addition to the campaign which will include free pet vaccinations, educational outreach programmes in schools, social media campaigns, and public events like floats and marches.”

    Communications Officer at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), David Youngs,emphasized the need for swift action to address zoonotic diseases, which increasingly pose a threat to human health from animals and the environment.

  • Rabies and dog bite cases surge in Ashanti, Greater Accra Regions

    Rabies and dog bite cases surge in Ashanti, Greater Accra Regions

    The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Veterinary Services Department, Dr. Alejo Cudjoe, has reported a significant rise in dog bites and rabies cases, particularly in the Greater Accra and Ashanti Regions.


    Rabies, a fatal viral disease that affects mammals, is primarily transmitted through bites or scratches from infected animals.
    It causes severe inflammation of the brain and nervous system, often leading to death if untreated.


    The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that rabies claims around 70,000 lives annually, with 144 people dying from the disease each day, the vast majority occurring in developing countries in Africa and Asia.

    Ghana, in particular, has seen a recent surge in rabies cases.


    At a recent rabies awareness event, Dr. Alejo Cudjoe, highlighted that the Greater Accra and Ashanti Regions have the highest number of stray and unvaccinated dogs, which significantly contributes to the increase in rabies cases.


    He urged the government to expedite the review of the Animal Health Act of 1961 to address the rising threat.


    Dr. Cudjoe further explained that efforts to eradicate rabies are anchored on collaboration between three key ministries: the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Environment.

    “One may ask why we are experiencing so many rabies cases in Accra and Kumasi. The population of stray unvaccinated dogs are growing in these areas. The time has come for us to change focus and pay more attention to aquatic animal health because that is where our source of protein comes from .

    He added that “all the efforts in eliminating rabies are enshrined in three pillars. The Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Ministry of Health and Environment we walk closely together”.

    He stressed the importance of a unified approach to tackling this public health issue.


    Meanwhile, the Director of the Veterinary Services Directorate in Accra , Dr. Joseph Kofi Abu,has noted that one of the biggest challenges in combating rabies is inadequate funding for the animal health sector.


    He pointed out that the shortage of veterinary personnel, including cleaners, across the regions limits the visibility and accessibility of veterinary services, making it difficult to control the spread of the disease.


    According to the 2023 Ghana Health Service DHMIS report, approximately 3,311 suspected rabies cases were recorded in 2023, with fears that the numbers could rise in the coming months.


    The report added that without adequate intervention, the risk to public health remains high, particularly in areas with a growing population of stray and unvaccinated dogs.


    Urgent action, including policy reviews, increased funding, and improved veterinary services, will be crucial in controlling the spread of rabies and reducing the toll it takes on communities across Ghana.

  • Rabies claims two lives in Ashanti Region

    The Ghana Veterinary Service has reported two fatalities due to rabies in the Ashanti Region this year.

    These tragic deaths occurred within the Sekyere Afram Plains and Atwima Nwabiagya South districts.

    Globally, research indicates that 95 percent of the estimated 55,000 rabies cases are concentrated in Africa and Asia.

    The veterinary service has expressed alarm over the disregard for regular pet immunization among pet owners. Many individuals underestimate the severity of rabies, which has a 100% fatality rate.

    Dr. Mabel Abudu, the Ashanti regional director of the Ghana Veterinary Service, emphasized the importance of pet owners taking immunization seriously.

    She recounted that two deaths occurred in the Ashanti Region earlier in the year, in Sekyere Afram Plains and Atwima Nwabiagya South districts. Unfortunately, these individuals succumbed to rabies after being bitten by dogs, as they did not seek timely medical attention.

    Dr. Abudu highlighted the significance of a coordinated approach involving the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and the veterinary service to combat rabies. She emphasized that rabies is 100 percent vaccine-preventable in both humans and animals. In cases of dog bites, immediate medical attention is crucial, as antibiotics cannot treat rabies.

    The veterinary service has called upon the government to provide support for organizing annual mass immunization campaigns. This initiative aims to achieve a 70% immunity rate against rabies in the country by 2030.

  • World Rabies Day: Vaccinate your dogs regularly – GHS to public

    The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has entreated members of the general public who have dogs as pets to ensure they are vaccinated regularly to prevent rabies infection.

    The GHS made the appeal as part of measures to commemorate World Rabies Day today, September 28, 2023.

    The Service noted that the regular vaccination of dogs will ensure the entire community is protected.

    “Remember, 100% of Rabies cases are preventable,” the GHS noted in a Twitter post.

    According to Director of Public Health at the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr. Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, the country has witnessed 615 cases of rabies infections among individuals, resulting in 72 fatalities, from 2020 to 2023.

    Registrar of the Veterinary Council of Ghana, Dr. Kingsley Mickey Aryee, notes that the vaccination coverage of dogs in the country is alarmingly low, with only 8.5 percent of dogs being vaccinated nationwide.

    Ghana has responded to the global initiative of eliminating dog-mediated human rabies by 2030. To support this goal, the country has implemented a National Rabies Control and Prevention Action Plan for the period of 2018-2030. This plan serves as a roadmap for achieving the target.

    What to know about Rabies

    Rabies is a viral disease that affects mammals, including humans. It is caused by the rabies virus, which is typically transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, often via bites or scratches.

    Once the virus enters the body, it travels through the nerves to the brain, leading to inflammation of the brain and, ultimately, death if not treated promptly.

    • About 70,000 people die of rabies every year across the world.
    • Rabies kills 144 people daily and every 10 minutes a life is lost to rabies.
    • Rabies is 100% fatal once symptoms develops.

    In humans, symptoms of rabies can include fever, headache, muscle weakness, and confusion, which can progress to paralysis, hallucinations, and seizures.

    • Rabies is a vaccine-preventable viral disease.
  • 615 rabies cases recorded since 2020 – GHS

    615 rabies cases recorded since 2020 – GHS

    Director of Public Health at the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr. Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, has revealed that the country has witnessed 615 cases of rabies infections among individuals, resulting in 72 fatalities, from 2020 to 2023.

    Dr Asiedu-Bekoe disclosed this at the launch of a National Rabies Prevention Campaign by the Vertinary Services Division of the GHS and its partners.

    “The data from the DHMIS on suspected cases of rabies has shown an increase from 119 with 24 deaths in 2020 to 140 with 12 deaths in 2021, 203 with 26 deaths in 2022 and so far, 153 with 10 deaths in 2023.”

    “Dog bite, which is a good proxy for rabies has also seen a similar trend with 15,296 cases in 2020, 16,364 cases in 2021, 16,644 cases in 2022 and 6,701 cases so far in 2023,” he said.

    The launch was on the theme: “Prevent the Bite or Scratch! Vaccinate Your Dog! Stop Rabies Now!”

    Dr. Asiedu-Bekoe highlighted the concerning increase in rabies cases from 2020, with the majority of infections recorded in the Greater Accra, Ashanti, Eastern, and Upper East regions of Ghana.

    He further noted that a significant proportion of rabies-related deaths occurred in children under the age of 15.

    Ghana has responded to the global initiative of eliminating dog-mediated human rabies by 2030. To support this goal, the country has implemented a National Rabies Control and Prevention Action Plan for the period of 2018-2030. This plan serves as a roadmap for achieving the target.

    However, Dr. Asiedu-Bekoe revealed that the country’s progress in implementing the action plan has been hindered by various challenges.

    These include recurrent outbreaks of public health diseases, inadequate sustainable funding for public health, low vaccination coverage of dogs, and the presence of stray dogs.

    Despite these challenges, Ghana has made notable progress in enhancing risk communication activities, raising awareness among healthcare workers, and adopting a stepwise approach towards rabies elimination. This approach helps identify gaps and develop strategies to address them.

    On his part, Registrar of the Veterinary Council of Ghana, Dr. Kingsley Mickey Aryee, stated that the vaccination coverage of dogs in the country is alarmingly low, with only 8.5 percent of dogs being vaccinated nationwide.

    He emphasized the urgent need for increased awareness campaigns and sensitization to encourage dog owners, particularly those with stray dogs, to annually vaccinate their pets. This proactive approach is essential to curbing the spread of rabies and ultimately eradicating the disease in Ghana.

    Dr. Aryee highlighted that rabies is a significant cause of preventable deaths worldwide, with a majority of fatalities occurring in developing nations.

    Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system and is commonly transmitted through bites or scratches from infected dogs. However, other animals like cats, bats, and foxes can also transmit the disease, particularly in areas where it is not endemic.

    The symptoms of rabies can vary and may include fever, headache, excessive salivation, hydrophobia (fear of water), muscle spasms, paralysis, mental confusion, and ultimately, death. The onset of symptoms can vary depending on the location of the bite.

    Efforts to raise awareness about the importance of dog vaccination and the prevention of rabies are crucial in safeguarding public health and reducing the incidence of this deadly disease.

  • Pharmacy Council Ghana warns against taking injection at pharmacies

    Pharmacy Council Ghana warns against taking injection at pharmacies

    Pharmacy Council Ghana is warning the public to desist from taking injections at pharmacies.

    According to the Director at the Pharmacy Council in the Ashanti Region, Benjamin Kwarteng Frimpong, it is illegal.

    He made the comment while reacting to the death of a five-year-old who was given wrong injection after he was bitten by a rabid dog in August 2022.

    Mr Frimpong said preliminary investigations revealed that Life Dream Pharmacy did not meet the laid down standards and regulations set by the Council, hence the decision to shut it down.

    Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem Tuesday, he said the death of the child could have been avoided if the person at the pharmacy had done a follow up.

    He explained that though the child was given wrong injection, asking the parents to send him to the hospital could have avoided the death.

    To prevent such avoidable deaths, Mr Frimpong said they have asked pharmacies, drugs stores and licensed chemical sellers not to give injections.

    He added that the Pharmacy Council is committed to ensuring competent pharmaceutical care providers who practice with agreed standards with dedication, integrity and professionalism.

  • Life Dream Pharmacy closed for improper management

    Life Dream Pharmacy closed for improper management

    Following the tragic death of a five-year-old child in Kenyasi-Adwumam, the Pharmacy Council in the Ashanti Region has taken swift action by closing down Life Dream Pharmacy.

    The child had sought treatment for a dog bite, but improper treatment was administered by the pharmacy staff.

    Reports indicate that the staff at Life Dream Pharmacy administered the ATS Tetanus vaccine, Efpac suspension, Amoxiclav suspension, and Vitamin C syrup as a remedy for the rabid dog bite. Disturbingly, the attendant advised the child’s parents to take the child home instead of seeking further medical assistance.

    Regional Manager of the Pharmacy Council, Benjamin Kwarteng Frempong, expressed concern over the incident and emphasized the importance of proper treatment and professional guidance in such cases.

    “A child who has been bitten by a dog was rushed to Life Dream Pharmacy in Kenyasi. The attendant administered an ATS injection, gave out pain relievers, an immune booster and anti-biotics and told them to go and administer the medication as prescribed and that once they go by what has been prescribed there is no need to seek further medical intervention.

    “So the parents adhered to what was told them but unfortunately just after one month and three days after the incident, the child passed on.”

    When the Pharmacy Council was alerted about the incident, they promptly responded by dispatching a team to assess the situation at Life Dream Pharmacy. The subsequent inspection revealed that the pharmacy failed to comply with the established standards and regulations set by the Council.

    Due to this non-compliance, the Pharmacy Council made the decision to close down Life Dream Pharmacy. This action is taken in order to ensure the safety and well-being of the public, as pharmacies must adhere to strict guidelines to provide quality healthcare services.

    The Council remains committed to upholding high standards in the pharmaceutical industry and will continue to monitor and enforce compliance to safeguard the health of individuals seeking medical care.

    “So when we received the letter on July 5, 2023, we decided to visit the premises and when we got to the premises we realised that things were not up to standard.

    “After using our monitoring tools and checklists, because the facility did not conform to standards and the laid down practice regulations, we had to close it down.”

    Furthermore, Benjamin Kwarteng Frempong stated that the incident has been reported to the head office of the Pharmacy Council. In response, a disciplinary committee will be formed to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter. This committee will review the actions of Life Dream Pharmacy and determine appropriate measures to address the improper treatment that led to the tragic death of the child.

    The Pharmacy Council takes such incidents seriously and is committed to ensuring accountability and promoting patient safety. By initiating an investigation through the disciplinary committee, they aim to uncover any potential negligence or misconduct and take appropriate disciplinary actions in accordance with the regulations and guidelines governing the pharmaceutical profession.

    The outcome of the investigation will help prevent similar incidents in the future and reinforce the importance of adhering to proper protocols and standards in providing healthcare services. The Pharmacy Council remains dedicated to upholding the integrity and professionalism.

  • 13 attacked by a dog with rabies at Gomoa Dominase

    13 attacked by a dog with rabies at Gomoa Dominase

    Thirteen individuals in Gomoa Dominase, Central Region, are currently undergoing treatment for suspected rabies following bites from a stray dog.

    Residents say the stray dog began biting its victims on Monday, June 19, 2023.

    As of Tuesday, June 20, thirteen people have been bitten by the dog.

    Some victims who spoke to the media said the dog is not familiar to the community and expressed shock at the way it has been biting residents of Dominase.

    “I was heading to my uncle’s shop when the dog bit me from behind. I sustained minor injuries and it’s painful. I hear the dog has bitten over thirteen people in the Gomoa Dominase community. When it bit me, I was rushed to the clinic and given some injection by the doctors,” Paulina Annor a victim told the media.

    According to the Assemblyman for the area, the dog is being hunted by local residents.

    All thirteen victims who were attacked have been treated and discharged from the Potsin Polyclinic.

    The Gomoa East Health Directorate said that if the dog is found, samples will be taken to the lab to prevent an outbreak.

    “Within the community, we have identified more cases, over thirteen dog bites within this community. Cases that have been reported within Gomoa Potsin, Gomoa Buduatta and Gomoa Dominase have been given the needed anti-rabies vaccines and discharged. But residents and traditional authorities have begun a search for the particular dog that has been doing this and ensure that samples will be taken for sampling. The DCE and Police have been informed accordingly,” Felix Agyamang Adipare the District Health Director said.

  • Rabies dog attacks 8 children, kills one at Awutu Senya

    Rabies dog attacks 8 children, kills one at Awutu Senya

    The community of Awutu Bereku in the Awutu Senya West District of the Central Region experienced a distressing incident when a rabies dog attacked eight children, resulting in the tragic death of 12-year-old Samuel Ofosu.

    This incident has plunged the community into grief and raised serious concerns about the safety of its residents. Yaa Tawiah, Samuel’s grieving mother, disclosed that the dog specifically targeted eight children, leaving behind a distressing aftermath.

    Samuel, unfortunately, died at the Mother and Child Hospital, leaving his family and the entire community shattered and searching for answers. The loss of Samuel has had an indelible impact on his family, who are struggling with profound sorrow.

    The possibility of rabies spreading to the affected children is also a grave concern at this time. Yaa Tawiah has expressed deep worry about the risks associated with the infection, prompting authorities to take immediate action.

    The topmost priority for the authorities is to promptly address the situation and ensure the health and well-being of the community.

    According to the authorities, the incident will be investigated, the affected children will receive the necessary medical attention, and preventative measures will be put in place to stop similar incidents from happening again.

    Rabies is a deadly virus spread to people from the saliva of infected animals.
    It is usually spread through an animal bite. Animals most likely to spread rabies include dogs, bats, coyotes, foxes, skunks and raccoons.

    Symptoms include fever, headache, excess salivation, muscle spasms, paralysis and mental confusion.

    Rabies is a significant concern in Ghana, and dog bites pose a serious health risk to individuals.
    It is important for individuals to take precautions to prevent rabies, such as avoiding contact with stray animals, vaccinating pets regularly, and seeking immediate medical attention following animal bites or scratches.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Rabies: Let’s vaccinate dogs, keep them from straying

    Dog owners have been urged to vaccinate dogs against rabies and also keep them from straying.

    This would help to completely eradicate rabies in the country.

    Dr. Benjamin Kissi Sasu, Risk Communicator, Ghana Veterinary Service (GVS), said in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in commemoration of this year’s World Rabies Day.

    “Dogs are helpful in many ways. We cannot do without them. What we need to do as humans is to be responsible care takers of our animals.”

    He said as a dog owner or keeper of any other animals, one’s responsibility was to ensure that in addition to providing the animal with food and safe drinking water, it needed to be well sheltered, attended to medically and prevented from straying to prevent disease infection.

    Dr. Sasu said while rabies destroyed dogs and all other animals as well, it could also affect and destroy humans.

    He urged the public to be responsible towards the animals they kept, saying, “let us play our role to end rabies by 2030.”

    For this year, the Head of Epidemiology of the Veterinary Service Directorate, Dr Fenteng Danso, said 27 cases of rabies had been recorded in the country, with ten of them coming from the Kpone Katamanso Municipality, in the Greater Accra region.

    Rabies is a viral disease that is spread through infected saliva of an animal or human, coming into contact with an open wound of another animal or human, or the mucus membranes, such as the mouth or eyes.

    Rabies is transmitted through the bite of an infected animal.

    While dogs are mainly known as transmitters of rabies, horses, cats, cattle, bats and even humans are also potential carriers of the rabies virus.

    Rabies is fatal and equally preventable.

    Vaccinating animals against rabies, especially dogs and cats, and taking the complete anti rabies when bitten by any animal or human will prevent rabies completely.

    Animal scratches should also be treated as seriously as bites.

     Experts say, “once symptoms begin to show, a victim practically has no chance of survival.”

    The rabies virus attacks the brain and spinal cord and takes a victim through painful symptoms such as convulsions, breathing difficulties, typically coma and finally death.

    Source: GNA

  • Rabies: Every dog must be vaccinated for Ghana to achieve immunity by 2030

    Every dog must be vaccinated once every one or two years to help Ghana achieve immunity by 2030.

    The critical proportion of all dogs that ought to be vaccinated is 70 per cent in order to break the dog-to-dog transmission of rabies.

    Dr Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, Director of Public Health at Ghana Health Service, disclosed these ahead of this year’s World Rabies Day celebration at a press briefing in Accra yesterday.

    He said mass vaccination of dogs should be preceded by evidence-based research of the dog ecology, population numbers and transmission in Ghana.

    “After this, adequate planning in strategy and logistics informed by policy is needed. All these must be done as quickly as necessary, considering the exigencies of the times. Community engagement and participation is key in assuring success of set targets in mass dog vaccination,” he stated

    Dr Bekoe said this year’s celebration would be held on the theme “One Health, Zero Deaths” to coincide with a recent record of cases of human rabies in the Ashanti Region of Ghana, saying  “the one health approach is an intersectoral collaboration between institutions concerned with human health, animal health and environment health.”

    “Rabies is considered a proxy for One Health because it has the human, animal and environmental components. This year, we want to remind ourselves of the One Health strategies and approaches, the systems, institutions and other resources we will fall on, and what our objectives ought to be from now till the next celebration” he stated.

    He said from May 21 to 25, 2018, relevant stakeholders met to develop  the current Ghana Rabies Control and Prevention Action Plan (2018-2030) whose goal was to use the ‘One Health Approach’ to control rabies in Ghana.

    The plan he said highlighted prevention and control of rabies, data collection and analysis, laboratory diagnosis, dog population management, information, education and communication, intersectoral collaboration and legislation.

    Dr Bekoe pleaded with all relevant stakeholders to collaborate to drive progress towards “Zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030.”

    Dr Patrick Abakeh, Acting Chief Veterinary Officer said human vaccines were expensive and that it was currently estimated to cost USD$4,087,970 annually.

    For him, every exposed person who received a PEP vaccine, 50 dogs could have been vaccinated at the same cost, adding that in the hierarchy of importance of control of rabies , vaccinating dogs came first, followed by vaccinating exposed humans.

    Dr Abakeh called for the resource of the Veterinary Service Directorate (VSD) to be able to deal with zoonotic diseases as Ghana, together with other countries in the sub region, were endemic to rabies which is a Neglected Tropical Zoonosis.

    Dr Guyo Guracha , a representative from World Health Organisation, said his outfit regularly updated and disseminated technical guidance on rabies, for example  epidemiology, surveillance, diagnostics, vaccines, safe and cost-effective immunisation , control and prevention strategies for human and animal rabies, operational programme implementation and palliative care for human rabies patients.

    Benjamin M.Adjei, Assistant Food and Agriculture Organisation Representative of the United Nations, added that Rabies had a significant impact on lives and livelihoods, particularly in developing countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America and that the poor and marginalised communities were most heavily impacted as they often could not afford treatment or transport for care.

    Source: The Ghanaian Times

  • Another rabies death in Kerala: Stray dog bites and kill girl,12

    The death of a 12-year-old girl after being bitten by a stray dog has sparked fury in Kerala, an Indian state.

    Abhirami, who was bitten in August, died on Monday in hospital. This is the 21st rabies death in Kerala this year.

    She had received three doses of the anti-rabies vaccine and was set to take the fourth soon, reports said.

    The World Health Organization (WHO) says rabies is endemic in India, which accounts for 36% of the world’s rabies deaths.

    “True burden of rabies in India is not fully known; although as per available information, it causes 18,000-20,000 deaths every year in the country,” the WHO says.

    Animal rights activists, however, have questioned this, pointing out a “huge difference” between the WHO’s tally and Indian health ministry numbers

    The question of stray dogs is a sensitive one in India and often leads to arguments between animal lovers and local residents over the issue of feeding and sterilizing them.

    A federal minister told parliament in August that there were 15.3 million stray dogs in India in 2019, according to the Livestock Census. The total number, the minister said, had reduced by 10% from 17.1 million recorded in 2012.

    Kerala, which has 290,000 stray dogs, has seen a number of campaigns aimed at getting them off the streets.

    In 2016, a campaign to kill stray dogs, promoted by some people in Kerala after a rise in dog bites, angered activists. A year before that, dog lovers had trended #BoycottKerala on social media against a proposal to cull strays – the plan was never implemented.

    On Friday, India’s Supreme Court will hear a petition seeking action by federal and state governments against stray dogs.

    The court decided to move up the date of the hearing after lawyer VK Biju on Monday highlighted the issue of dog bites in Kerala and mentioned Abhirami’s condition (this was before she died).

    The plea also calls for canceling the ABC [Animal Birth Control] rules which were introduced in 2001 – under this, stray dogs are collected, sterilised, vaccinated, and returned to the same area from where they were picked up.

    Animal rights activists argue that this is the most humane and effective way of keeping the stray dog population in check and reducing dog bites.

    Critics, however, allege that the programme isn’t being implemented properly and say the solution is to cull dogs.