India aims rabies eradication by 2030
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 06 2023:
Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Services Director Dr Ng Ibotombi has asserted that India is aiming to eradicate rabies from the country by 2030 .
The Veterinary Director made the remark during a seminar on 'Rabies in animals and humans' held today at the Farmers Training Hall at Sanjenthong Veterinary Complex.
Notably, the seminar was jointly organised by the Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Department, Directorate of Health Services and RIMS Department of Microbiology's national 'One Health' program for prevention and control of Zoonoses (infectious diseases transmitted between species) .
Addressing the gathering, Dr Ng Ibotombi stated that the world observes September 28 as World Rabies Day with the goal of eradicating this viral zoonotic disease from the face of the earth.
In many developing nations of Asia and Africa, rabies has been estimated to cause not less than 20,000 deaths annually with no success yet in bringing down the death toll.
However, in India, the Veterinary and Health Department along with other stakeholders have made efforts to free the country of this disease by 2030, he said.
The Veterinary Director stressed on the importance of taking precautions against this disease while cautioning that once a patient starts showing symptoms of rabies, it is difficult to save their life.
He also highlighted the necessity for concerted efforts of NGOs, Government departments, urban local bodies, Panchayat and members of dog lovers societies to take precautionary measures to eradicate this disease.
Elucidating some of the precautionary measures, he said that all pet dogs and cats must be administered with the necessary doses of anti-rabies vaccines.
In addition, a person bitten or scratched by a dog or a cat must immediately wash the affected area with soap and clean water and get treated at the nearest hospital.
Speaking on the occasion, Professor Dr Khuraijam Ranjana Devi, Head, Department of Microbiology RIMS said that post rabies vaccines are easily available free of cost at dispensaries and health centres to safeguard the public against this disease.
Facilities are also available to inoculate dogs and cats before they are exposed to rabies, she said.
Saying that people are now properly educated about rabies, she remarked that eradicating this disease would require the collective effort of not only the Veterinary and Health Department but also all concerned stakeholders.
During the seminar, Dr Ksh Roshan, State Surveillance Officer, IDSP, Health Services delivered a speech on the topic 'Scenario of rabies in Manipur' while Dr Shakti Laishram, Assistant Professor Department of Microbiology RIMS spoke on 'Update on human rabies vaccine' and Dr Ng Ibotombi, Director, Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Services educated the gathering about 'Rabies in animals and its prevention and control' .
Dr Y Gopalkrishna, Addl Director, Public Health, Directorate of Health Services also spoke on the occasion.
Later, a discussion was held on State action plan for rabies eradication.