{
  "id": 7385542,
  "title": "Ghana begins free rabies vaccination campaign for 25,000 dogs, cats",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/ghana-begins-free-rabies-vaccination-campaign-for-25-000-dogs-cats",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-09-14T19:42:54.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Adom Online",
    "slug": "adom-online",
    "url": "https://www.adomonline.com/ghana-begins-free-rabies-vaccination-campaign-for-25000-dogs-cats/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Ghanaian Veterinary Services Department has launched a nationwide free rabies vaccination campaign, targeting 25,000 dogs and cats in high-risk areas. The campaign commences in September 2026, coinciding with World Rabies Month and the theme \"Stronger Together.\" The initiative aims to support Ghana's objective of zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030.\n\nThe Department has promised to offer the vaccinations free of charge throughout September 2026, after which the standard fee will be applied. In addition to the vaccinations, the campaign will involve heightened public education on rabies prevention, utilizing schools, religious institutions, traditional and social media platforms, and community engagements.\n\nThe Veterinary Services Department has urged pet owners to vaccinate their dogs and cats against rabies annually. They have further advised the public to report any animal bites or scratches immediately to the nearest healthcare facility and inform the nearest veterinary center about the animal involved.\n\nRabies is emphasized to be virtually 100 percent fatal once symptoms appear, but it is preventable through timely vaccination. Pet owners have been reminded that neglecting to vaccinate a dog or cat may violate Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assembly (MMDA) bye-laws. The Department is calling on various stakeholders, including MMDAs, civil society organizations, religious and traditional authorities, development partners, and the private sector, to assist with vaccines, logistics, public education, and community mobilization.\n\nThe nationwide exercise is anticipated to boost vaccination coverage among domestic animals and enhance public awareness and prevention efforts against rabies.",
  "summary": "The Veterinary Services Department of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture has commenced a nationwide free rabies vaccination campaign targeting 25,000 dogs and cats in identified high-risk areas. The exercise, which began in September 2026, aimed at marking World Rabies Month under the theme “Stronger Together” and supports Ghana’s goal of achieving zero human deaths […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Ghana launches free rabies vaccination campaign for 25,000 dogs and cats in September 2026",
    "Campaign coincides with World Rabies Month and 'Stronger Together' theme",
    "Veterinary Services offers vaccinations free until September 2026, then standard fee applies"
  ],
  "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."
}