Rabies is fatal once its symptoms appear. According to estimates, it claims one precious human live in every nine (09) minutes around the globe. The children are relatively easy target that fell prey to dog bite. Considering the nature of disease and its fatal outcome, the international community has globally committed to eradicate this disease by 2030. The global action plan has accordingly been developed. The celebration of 28th September every year as “World Rabies Day” is one of the activity of this global action plan aiming to create awareness among the general masses. The theme for this year is “Rabies: Vaccinate to Eliminate”.
In order to join the international community Ministry of National Food Security & Research, Government of Pakistan has celebrated this day in collaboration with World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) Girls College, Rawalpindi and PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi. Following activities were carried out:
- Rabies Awareness session for children of Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) School, Rawalpindi.
Children are the more vulnerable segment of society for dog bites culminating sometimes to rabies. An awareness session has been conducted for children of Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) School, Rawalpindi consisting of disease information and prevention. Rabies animated videos were presented to children. Pamphlet in Urdu language was also distributed to all children of the school.
- Free dog Rabies vaccination Camp at PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi.
A free vaccination camp has been established at three clinics (University Clinic, Kont Farm Veterinary Hospital and Chirrah Village Veterinary Dispensary) of PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi by providing thirteen hundred (1300) doses of dog Rabies vaccine.
- Rabies awareness walk at Murree Road in front of PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi.
A Rabies awareness walk has been conducted at Murree Road in front of PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi. Last year DVM students, faculty members, official from Ministry of National Food Security & Research, Food & Agriculture Organization of the UN, National Veterinary Laboratories, National Agricultural Research Centre, Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) School, Rawalpindi, Livestock & Dairy Development Department, Punjab has participated in the awareness walk.
The ministry of National food security urges the pet owners to get their pets (Cats & dogs) vaccinated for prevention of rabies and to observe special measures including washing of wounds with soap and water for 10-15 minutes and the victim of dog bite should immediately contact with the nearest hospital for post exposure treatment.