Shillong, Sep 25: An awareness programme on rabies was organised by the office of the West Khasi Hills District Medical & Health Officer at St. Peter’s Higher Secondary School, Pyndengrei.
The session highlighted that while rabies is 100 per cent preventable, there is still no cure once symptoms appear, making awareness and timely vaccination crucial.
Additional Deputy Commissioner CP Mawkhon in his keynote address stressed the importance of early intervention, stating, “Dog bites, cat bites, or even minor scratches should never be ignored. Rabies is fatal but entirely preventable. Immediate medical care and vaccination can save lives.”
A detailed talk on rabies was presented by Dr. L. Myliemumlong, Officer from the District Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Department.
Students from across the district participated in drawing, poster, and elocution competitions.
A short educational YouTube video on rabies was also released.
In East Garo Hills, the week-long programme on World Rabies Day concluded with a community programme held in Williamnagar.
Additional Deputy Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, Williamnagar Municipal Board Ripamchi N Sangma in her address stressed the importance of immediate medical attention after an animal bite, routine vaccination and registration of pets, and the need for the public to report suspected rabid animals.
District Medical and Health Officer Dr. Cruzie Elmina Sangma reaffirmed the district’s commitment to align with national and global efforts to eliminate dog-mediated human rabies by 2030 under the global “Zero by 30” initiative.
As part of the week’s activities, a quiz competition and drawing competition were organized for school students.
