World Rabies Day 2025: the time to act is now!

Each year, on September 28, the world unites to raise awareness and take action for rabies elimination. World Rabies Day (WRD) 2024 was the most successful yet. Can we make 2025 even bigger?

In 2025, we are calling on you, me, and our communities to take responsibility, work together, and drive real change. For the first time in its 19-year history, WRD’s theme does not include the word "rabies", showing how well-established this movement has become. Whether you are an individual, part of an organization, or a decision-maker, the time to act is today.

What Does the Theme Mean?

• You  – Take action in your personal life: vaccinate your dog, educate yourself about how to prevent rabies and Pre- and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis, or advocate for better policies.
• Me  – Lead by example: inspire others, train professionals, or support rabies elimination efforts in your community.
• Community  – Work together: organize vaccination campaigns, educate learners and their families, and push for stronger rabies elimination programs.

Our call to Act Now is the difference between life and death. As a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD), rabies disproportionately affects underserved communities, mainly in Africa and Asia. Every nine minutes, rabies claims another victim, but death is 100% preventable. When we work together, eliminating this disease for good relies on all of us acting now!

How Can You Act Now?

• Host an event  – Organize a rabies awareness campaign, a school workshop, or a local vaccination drive.
• Nominate a rabies hero  – Submit a nomination for the World Rabies Day Awards to celebrate individuals already making a difference.
• Learn and share  – Take one of GARC’s free online courses and spread awareness in your network.
• Raise your voice  – Share messages on social media, talk to local leaders, or host a discussion in your community.

You can be part of the solution! Act Now: You, Me, Community is more than a theme: it is a call to action that will save lives.

Join us in making World Rabies Day 2025 the most impactful yet.  What will you do to Act Now?

Article contributed by Kerenza Vlastou, GARC Outreach and Community Director