World Rabies Day: Govt aims to make India rabies-free by 2030
SHILLONG/Tura/Jowai, Sep 27: Concerned by the increase in dog bite cases and rabies in the state, the Meghalaya government has launched an action plan for dog-induced rabies elimination by 2030.
The action plan was launched at an event to mark World Rabies Day 2024 with the theme, ‘Breaking rabies boundaries’.
The programme assumed significance as 27 fatal rabies cases have been reported in Meghalaya in the last two years. More than 90,000 cases of dog bites were reported in the state in 2023.
Speaking on the occasion, the Mission Director of the National Health Mission, Ramkumar S. termed dog bites as a serious issue. “More than 90,000 cases show the seriousness of the matter,” he said.
“We need to be careful as this is happening in the urban and the rural areas,” he said, adding that the authorities concerned have been vaccinating stray dogs with anti-rabies jabs.
Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh expressed concern over the situation and called for legislation to curb the menace of rabies. “I have come across citizens attacked by stray dogs. It is one thing to love a dog but quite another to lose a life because of a dog bite,” she said.
She said rabies claimed the life of a dog volunteer while a 7-year-old child died after being scratched by her pet dog.
Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister, Alexander L. Hek lamented the low awareness about rabies despite the seriousness of the issue. He asked the Shillong Municipal Board and the East Khasi Hills district administration to take steps to prevent stray dogs from roaming around and endangering the lives of children.
Supporting the government’s aim to make India a rabies-free nation by 2030, awareness programmes under the theme ‘Breaking Rabies Boundaries,’ were organised on World Rabies Day on Friday.
In West Garo Hills, the programme was organised by the district Health Department in collaboration with the Veterinary and Education Departments.
Featuring informative keynote addresses, a poster-making competition was also held to mark the event, with students showcasing their creativity and knowledge about rabies prevention.
The participants were enlightened with an in-depth presentation on rabies, covering topics such as the nature of the disease, prevention strategies, and the critical role of vaccination.
Speakers elaborated on the importance of timely vaccinations for pets and livestock, encouraging the community to take preventive measures.
Resource persons emphasized the history of vaccination, the harmful consequences of rabies, and the need for pet vaccinations. They highlighted how advanced vaccination techniques play a vital role in protecting both pets and humans.
The event concluded with a pledge to support rabies eradication efforts, and a rally led by the students and teachers of Birin Nuchong School to raise awareness about rabies control among the citizens.
In Jowai, an awareness programme on rabies was held at Nangbah LP School, West Jaintia Hills.
The programme was organised by the Department of Health and Family Welfare in collaboration with the District Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department and Dorbar Shnong.
Medical officers and other speakers explained the significance of the programme which aimed at helping the public understand the danger of rabies and the importance of breaking the chain of rabies infection through vaccination.
They stressed the importance of getting the anti-rabies vaccine in case of dog or animal bites. ‘Vaccines can be life-saving if administered at the earliest and the vaccines are free of cost’, they said.