The Meghalaya Health Department commemorated World Rabies Day on September 28, 2024, in South West Garo Hills. The global observance, which aims to raise awareness about the prevention of rabies and advocate for efforts to eliminate the disease, was marked with various initiatives to educate the public on the dangers of rabies, its prevention, and control measures.
Held annually, World Rabies Day honors the death anniversary of Louis Pasteur, who developed the first rabies vaccine. The day also serves as a reminder of the global fight against the disease and the importance of vaccinating pets and stray animals, as well as the implementation of robust health measures.
This year’s theme, “All for 1, One Health for All”, focused on the One Health approach, emphasizing the connection between human health, animal health, and the environment. The event in South West Garo Hills, organized by the Meghalaya Health Department, saw participation from health workers, veterinary officers, school students, and local communities.
Crystal R.N. Sangma, Chief Medical Officer of South West Garo Hills, addressed the attendees, stressing the need for joint efforts between the health and veterinary sectors to achieve rabies elimination in Meghalaya by 2030. In his speech, he outlined several key strategies, such as vaccination campaigns, community outreach, and educating children on how to avoid dog bites.
Educational workshops were also organized in schools across the district, focusing on the prevention of rabies through awareness and dog-bite management. Students were taught about the importance of timely vaccination and the steps to take in case of exposure to potentially rabid animals.
Rabies in India: A Pressing Health Concern
India accounts for almost 36% of the world’s rabies deaths each year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Most rabies cases in the country are due to dog bites, and it remains one of the top zoonotic diseases, especially in rural areas. The observance of World Rabies Day in states like Meghalaya plays a vital role in addressing the spread of the disease, especially in remote regions like South West Garo Hills where access to healthcare is limited.
The Meghalaya government, in partnership with various health organizations, has been actively working to control and eliminate rabies by 2030 through vaccination drives, awareness programs, and improving access to post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
Collaborative Efforts for Rabies Elimination
During the event, Meghalaya’s Health Department stressed the importance of interdepartmental collaboration. The Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department of South West Garo Hills has been actively involved in vaccinating stray and domestic animals. Joint awareness campaigns are being rolled out with the support of local authorities, NGOs, and community leaders to ensure that every dog in the district is vaccinated against rabies.
Veterinary Officer Dr. Rekha Ch. Marak explained the critical role animal vaccinations play in reducing rabies transmission. “If we can ensure that a significant portion of the animal population, particularly dogs, is vaccinated, we can effectively create a barrier to rabies transmission to humans,” she said.
The One Health approach being implemented focuses on reducing the risk factors in the environment, controlling rabies among stray dog populations, and improving post-bite treatment services across the district.
Vaccination Drives in South West Garo Hills
One of the key takeaways from the event was the launch of a large-scale vaccination drive aimed at reducing the stray dog population’s susceptibility to rabies. During the program, dozens of dogs were vaccinated on the spot. This initiative will be carried out across the entire district, focusing on both stray and pet dogs.
In addition to vaccinating animals, health workers also encouraged pet owners to ensure their animals receive regular boosters to maintain immunity.
Importance of Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
The availability of Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is critical in preventing rabies in humans. During the World Rabies Day event, local health centers demonstrated the proper administration of PEP. Health workers stressed that anyone who is bitten or scratched by a suspected rabid animal should immediately seek medical attention and start the PEP regimen to avoid the disease’s fatal outcome.
Dr. Sangma reiterated the importance of immediate treatment: “Rabies is 100% preventable if treated promptly. We encourage people to not take any chances and seek medical help immediately if they have been bitten or scratched by any animal.”
Community Engagement and Awareness Campaigns
As part of the observance, the Health Department conducted awareness drives across the region, distributing informative leaflets and posters to educate the public on how to recognize rabies symptoms in both humans and animals. They also explained the steps individuals should take to prevent rabies transmission.
Villages in the South West Garo Hills were reached through mobile clinics, ensuring that even the most remote areas were covered in the awareness campaign. Radio broadcasts and social media were also employed to reach a broader audience with the World Rabies Day message, emphasizing the need for collective action in fighting the disease.
The World Rabies Day 2024 event in South West Garo Hills reflects the growing commitment of Meghalaya’s Health Department to eradicating rabies and safeguarding the health of its citizens. Through collaborative efforts between the health, veterinary, and community sectors, Meghalaya is making major strides toward achieving its goal of eliminating rabies by 2030.