World Rabies Day is observed on September 28 every year to recognise the disease’s progress in being eradicated and to increase public knowledge of rabies prevention. Additionally, it marks the anniversary of the passing of French chemist and microbiologist Louis Pasteur, who created the first rabies vaccination. Effective community participation in rabies prevention depends on the availability of safe and effective animal and human vaccinations, which are currently the only means of preventing rabies-related mortality in humans.
History of World Rabies Day
- Created in 2007, World Rabies Day is an international campaign to draw attention to the advancements achieved in the eradication of rabies and to increase public knowledge of how to avoid it.
- World Rabies Day is celebrated yearly on September 28, the day when French chemist Louis Pasteur passed away and created the first rabies vaccine. More than 99% of human deaths from rabies-related dog bites occur in underdeveloped nations, making rabies a serious global health concern.
- Those who are at risk for rabies often lack fundamental life-saving knowledge, organisations that try to prevent the disease are isolated from one another, and there are not enough resources available to prevent rabies.
- Days of health awareness can enhance illness policies and provide more funding for control and prevention. The World Health Organisation, the World Organisation for Animal Health, and the Pan American Health Organisation co-sponsored the inaugural World Rabies Day campaign, which was held in Atlanta, USA, on September 8, 2007.
- According to estimates made in 2009 by the Global Alliance for Rabies Control, there have been rabies prevention and awareness campaigns in over 100 countries, around 100 million individuals have received rabies education globally, and approximately 3 million canines have received the vaccination at campaign-related events.
- World Rabies Day, which targets at-risk populations, animal health professionals, public health practitioners, governments, important opinion leaders, and specialists, was found to be a helpful tool in a 2011 study to help with rabies prevention.
- Governments and international organisations have used World Rabies Day in the years after the review to announce plans, policies, and advancements towards the eradication of rabies.
Theme of World Rabies Day
This year’s theme for World Rabies Day is “Breaking Rabies Boundaries.” This topic was selected to highlight the necessity of defying international health trends and conventions to eradicate rabies. The concept is flexible enough to include a range of obstacles, including immunisation, collaboration across illnesses, and One Health. It also draws attention to the fact that rabies transcends national borders. The objective is to get Zero by 30 and progress beyond the current state of affairs.
The Significance of World Rabies Day
- To combat rabies, governments, non-governmental organisations, and vaccine producers come together on World Rabies Day. Its goal is to have no dog-mediated rabies deaths by 2030, demonstrating the international community’s resolve to end this avoidable illness.
- About 25% of American rabies deaths are reported to have been caused by dog bites received while travelling overseas. Rabies is most typically seen in wild animals and is a prevalent disease in the country.
- About 60,000 individuals die from this condition every year, even though it is entirely avoidable.
- World Rabies Day is an all-inclusive event that inspires many groups on different levels by raising awareness, educating, and organising actions. Raising awareness of rabies and its prevention is the day’s main goal.
- One of the most neglected tropical illnesses, rabies mostly affects vulnerable, impoverished, and marginalised groups of people.
- 2007 saw the establishment of the inaugural World Rabies Day in honour of French scientist Louis Pasteur.
- The day serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight against rabies, which continues to take thousands of lives annually, especially in areas with poor access to immunisation and healthcare services.
- To stop the spread of rabies, the day attempts to increase public knowledge of vaccination, ethical pet ownership, and appropriate wound care.
Conclusion
World Rabies Day is an international initiative to fight a fatal illness that kills thousands of people every year. The goal of preventing rabies deaths via coordinated initiatives, enhanced awareness, and preventative measures is to achieve zero deaths by 2030. Public health advocates are thrilled about the chance to raise awareness and establish wellness objectives as September 28th draws near. As acknowledged by health authorities such as the World Health Organisation, the Global Alliance for Rabies Control is advocating for measures to prevent rabies and highlighting the importance of prevention.