As part of the observation of World Rabies Week 2024, an awareness programme on rabies was held at Nangbah LP School in West Jaintia Hills today under the theme ‘Breaking Rabies Boundaries’.
The programme was organised by the Department of Health & Family Welfare in collaboration with the District Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Department and local headman and was attended by the District Medical & Health Officer, District Surveillance Officer (DSO), Medical & Health Officer in charge of Nangbah, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Officer of the Nangbah Veterinary Dispensary and other officials, school children, self-help group members, residents of Nangbah Iawmusiang and other stakeholders.
Medical Officer Dr D Hinge explained the significance of the awareness programme, which was aimed at helping the public understand the danger of rabies and the importance of breaking the chain of rabies infection through vaccination.
Dr M Syngkon, District Surveillance Officer, explained about rabies infection, its transmission, signs and symptoms. She also stressed the importance of getting the rabies vaccine in case of a bite by a dog or other animal. Vaccines can be life-saving if administered at the earliest and are free of cost at government health institutions.
Veterinary Officer Dr E Chen also said that vaccination of animals is also important and owners should get their pets vaccinated. Free rabies vaccines will be administered to pets at the veterinary dispensary on Saturday.
