{
  "id": 7305839,
  "title": "Free rabies vaccination campaign targets 25,000 dogs and cats nationwide",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/free-rabies-vaccination-campaign-targets-25-000-dogs-and-cats",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-09-14T11:22:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/free-rabies-vaccination-campaign-targets-25000-dogs-and-cats-nationwide/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Veterinary Services Department of Ghana's Ministry of Food and Agriculture has launched a nationwide initiative to provide free rabies vaccinations for 25,000 dogs and cats in high-risk areas. This campaign, which will take place throughout September 2026, is part of Ghana's commitment to eliminate human deaths caused by dog-mediated rabies by 2030, and occurs during World Rabies Month 2026.\n\nDuring this period, pet owners are expected to pay the required fees following the free vaccination phase. The campaign also focuses on educating the public, particularly through outreach to schools, religious institutions, and communities, as well as traditional and social media platforms. Educational videos and audio messages will be made available in local languages, including Twi, Ga, Ewe, and Hausa, to ensure broader accessibility.\n\nThe Veterinary Services Department is urging all pet owners to ensure their dogs and cats receive annual rabies vaccinations, which are crucial in preventing the spread of the deadly disease. They also advise immediate medical attention after any animal bite or scratch, and reporting the involved animal to the nearest veterinary center. Rabies is virtually 100% fatal once symptoms appear, but it is entirely preventable through timely vaccinations. Breaking the law by not vaccinating a pet can result in penalties under MMDA bye-laws.\n\nIn order to support the campaign, the department is calling on MMDAs, civil society organizations, religious and traditional leaders, development partners, and private-sector entities to contribute vaccines, logistical support, and actively participate in public education and community mobilization efforts.",
  "summary": "The Veterinary Services Department of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture has commenced a nationwide campaign to provide free rabies vaccinations for 25,000 dogs and cats in identified high-risk areas.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}