I. INTRODUCTION

World Rabies Day is observed on September 28th each year to raise awareness about the impact of rabies on human and animal health. It aims to promote the prevention and control of this deadly disease through vaccination campaigns, education, and community engagement. 

It is an annual global campaign that aims to raise awareness about the deadly disease and promote its prevention and control. It was established in 2007 by the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC) and has since become an important event in the fight against rabies. On this day, organisations, governments, and communities around the world come together to educate people about the risks of rabies, promote responsible pet ownership, and advocate for the availability of rabies vaccines for both humans and animals.

II. WHAT IS RABIES ?

Rabies is a transmissible virus that attacks animals’ central nervous systems, including humans. It is spread mostly by the bite or scratch of an infected animal, most often dogs. When the virus enters the body, it travels through the nerves to the brain, where it causes inflammation and, if untreated, death. Rabies is a zoonotic disease, which means it may be passed from animals to humans, and it is a major public health concern in many areas of the world. Rabies is caused by a virus belonging to the family Rhabdoviridae and is found in over 150 countries. It is estimated that tens of thousands of people die from rabies each year, with the majority of cases occurring in Asia and Africa. The disease can be prevented through vaccination, both in animals and humans, and immediate medical attention should be sought if someone is bitten or scratched by a potentially infected animal. 

III. WORLD RABIES DAY: HISTORY AND PURPOSE

The Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC) established World Rabies Day in 2007 to raise awareness about rabies and its prevention. The day, observed annually on September 28th, aims to unite individuals, organisations, and governments in a global effort to combat the deadly disease. It educates communities about the importance of vaccinating pets, promotes responsible pet ownership, and increases access to post-exposure prophylaxis. The day also equips individuals with the necessary information and resources to take proactive actions to prevent the spread of rabies through educational programmes and community engagement.

IV. KEY MESSAGES OF WORLD RABIES DAY

• Rabies is a preventable medical condition that kills thousands of individuals worldwide every year.
• Pet vaccination is crucial for avoiding rabies transmission to individuals. Education and awareness are crucial for encouraging ethical pet ownership and avoiding rabies.
• Collaboration between communities, governments, and healthcare professionals is crucial to the global eradication of rabies.
• The observance of World Rabies Day serves as a reminder of the continuous efforts required to eliminate these terrible diseases.

V. CONCLUSION

In conclusion, rabies is a significant global health issue that requires collective action. It’s crucial to eradicate this fatal disease through pet vaccination, education, and teamwork. Future Rabies Day urges individuals and communities to work towards a rabies-free future, saving lives and promoting a rabies-free future.