DIMAPUR — Commemorating ‘World Rabies Day,’ the Wokha District Health Society, in collaboration with the department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry, organised a seminar and mass dog vaccination campaign at Veterinary Hospital in Saron Colony of Wokha town on September 28 on the theme “All for one, one health for all.”
The event emphasised on the importance of collaboration and coordination among different sectors and stakeholders to prevent and eliminate rabies, a deadly zoonotic disease that affects both humans and animals.
An update from the office of the chief medical officer (CMO) of Wokha stated that various aspects of rabies epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention were discussed during the seminar.
Dr. Khesheli Awomi, district epidemiologist, has urged the public to take advantage of the free dog vaccination services provided by the government and to adopt responsible pet ownership practices. She also appealed to the people to report any suspected cases of rabies to the nearest health facility or veterinary centre for prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. Awomi stressed that rabies is a preventable disease and that everyone has a role to play in achieving the global goal of zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030.
The district surveillance officer of Wokha, Dr. K William Humtsoe, highlighted the achievements of the district in rabies prevention and control. He informed that no human death due to rabies has been reported in the district so far.
He attributed the success to the effective implementation of the National Rabies Control Programme (NRCP), which provides free anti-rabies vaccines (ARV) and immunoglobulins (RIG) to all animal bite victims at designated health facilities in the district. He also mentioned that trained staff provide wound care and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to animal bite victims.
The district livestock development officer (DLDO) of Wokha, Dr. E Mhonlumi, spoke on the importance of dog population management and vaccination as key strategies to prevent rabies transmission from dogs to humans.
Report stated that about 500 dogs were administered vaccination during the campaign.
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