New Delhi, 21 September (IANS). This year, on September 28, the 19th World Rabies Day will be celebrated. This time the theme is ‘Act Now: You, Me and Community’. That is, everyone has to face this disease together intelligently. According to the WHO, for the first time in its 19 -year history, the word “rabies” is not included in the theme of World Rabies Day.
The organization believes that this theme itself shows how well the movement has become. Whether you are a person, part of an organization, or a decision -making person, today is the time to do ‘Act’.
This theme has also been closely explained by the World Health Organization. Its ‘U’ i.e. ‘AAP’ means inspiration to take some important steps itself. It is said that get your dog vaccinated, be aware of the prevention of rabies and prevention of infection from it, or advocate better policies. If a pet or stray animal (cat, monkey or dog-like animal) is scratched or bitten, then wash it immediately with soap-water and then go to the hospital and get anti rabies treatment immediately.
The second word is ‘Mi’ i.e. ‘I’. It gives the message that it is my responsibility or duty to make people around me aware. Tell them what to do after cutting and what are the facilities about it in hospitals?
‘Community’ or community means to run awareness campaigns in village/locality, teach children in schools, meet veterinarians and government health centers to ensure that vaccines, immunoglobulin etc. are easy.
Talking about India, rabies remains a serious public health problem. In 2024, more than 2.2 million dog bites were reported in the country and more than 5 lakh other animal bite cases were reported. About 20% of these cases were of children under 15 years of age.
The government of the country is promoting “One Health Approach” for the prevention of rabies, in which cooperation between human, animal and environmental health is given priority. The Government of India has set a target to create “rabies -free India” by 2030, and for this, vaccination, sterilization, and awareness campaigns are being emphasized under the National Rabies Control Program (NRCP).
Taking an animal attack lightly may not be bravery but negligence. A recent painful event sheds light on it. 22 -year -old Brajesh Solanki, who was a state -level kabaddi player, living in Bulandshahr district of Uttar Pradesh, tried to remove a puppy from the drain in March 2025. During this time Pillay bites him, but Brajesh considered this bite as a minor and did not get ‘anti -rebies’ treatment.
Due to this unfortunate decision, when symptoms emerged (fear of water, difficulty in breathing, etc.), it was too late. Treatment could not be possible and died on 28 June. This makes it clear that the animal may be small but its attack cannot be ignored. Timely treatment is necessary.
-IANS
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