World Rabies Day is celebrated globally each year on September 28. This significant observance is organized by the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC) and various dedicated organizations.
Understanding Rabies
Rabies, a viral disease impacting mammals, including humans, is known for its near-uniform fatality once symptoms manifest.
Nonetheless, it is a preventable ailment through vaccination and other preventive measures. With a grim 100% fatality rate, rabies is prevalent across several continents, claiming an estimated annual toll of 60,000 lives globally, with children constituting 40% of the victims.
Dog bites account for the majority of rabies cases in humans, underscoring the vital role of controlling rabies in the canine population in preventing human infections.
Commemorating a Pioneer
World Rabies Day pays homage to the memory of French scientist Louis Pasteur, who passed away on September 28, 1895. Pasteur's groundbreaking work led to the development of the rabies vaccine, a life-saving achievement that continues to benefit society.
Objectives and Significance
World Rabies Day is not only a day of remembrance but also a call to action.
Its main objectives include raising awareness, promoting vaccination, advocating for control measures, and celebrating milestones in the battle against rabies. This global event serves as a reminder that rabies remains a persistent public health threat in many parts of the world.
It urges sustained efforts to combat the disease and safeguard both animal and human populations from its lethal impact.
Global Collaboration and the Road to Zero Deaths
This year, the theme «All for 1, One Health for All» emphasizes unity and inclusivity. World Rabies Day, being the largest