Rabies is a viral disease of global threats, almost 100% fatalities in any incidence, killing 15,200 to 159,000 human beings annually. About 70% of the world's population resides in areas where dogs are reservoirs for rabies, particularly in the developing countries where the incidence of human and canine rabies is unknown. The goal of this review is to create awareness on the current burden and strategies on control, prevention and elimination of rabies in West Africa. There is need for a strong political and technical commitment to control rabies in West Africa. In lieu of the re-emergence, further research on the current vaccine and other possible control and elimination strategies are recommended