Shillong, Sep 26: Awareness generation programmes are being organised by all health facilities across the state to observe the World Rabies Week from September 22 to 28.
The programmes sought to create awareness and vigilance against the dangerous but preventable disease.
During a programme at Garobadha PHC in South West Garo Hills district on Friday, the local communities have been urged to take responsibility to raise awareness and promote prevention of Rabies, which is preventable but a fatal disease.
Deliberating on the theme “Act Now: You, Me, Community”, District Nodal Officer Dr LC Matgrik emphasised on prevention of the disease and spreading of awareness because “when one person develops Rabies the entire community is affected.”
Informing the gathering about the goal to eliminate dog-mediated Rabies disease by 2030, he appealed for concerted community efforts for prevention and to get anti-rabies vaccination within 24 hours on exposure to dog bites.
In his address, AH & Vety Officer, Vigilance Unit, Dr LR Marak highlighted protection of pets from diseases, urging pet owners to get them vaccinated at 3 months of age with anti-rabies vaccine (ARV) which is available free of cost. He also informed that deworming of pets must be done prior to vaccination.
The program, organized by District Medical & Health Office and District Health Society, in collaboration with the District AH & Veterinary Department, South West Garo Hills, was well participated by local communities from the area, including, community elders, ASHAs, Anganwadi Workers, SHGs, school teachers and students.
