Rtn. Dr. Md. Hemayatul Islam Arif: It is celebrated annually to raise awareness about rabies prevention and to highlight progress in defeating this horrifying disease. The 28th September also marks the anniversary of Louis Pasteur's death, the French chemist and microbiologist, who developed the first rabies vaccine. Current year world rabies day theme is "Breaking Rabies Boundaries".
It is a tale of global collaboration and perseverance, seeking to overcome the barriers that prevent the world from achieving rabies elimination. The story of this effort centers around the key challenges: gaps in international cooperation, inadequate access to essential resources (including life-saving vaccines), and limited public awareness about the disease.
A Global Health Crisis:
Rabies, a preventable viral disease that causes nearly 60,000 deaths annually, is a persistent threat, particularly in low-resource regions. Despite the disease being vaccine-preventable, gaps in vaccine distribution, lack of coordinated international efforts, and limited public awareness make eradication an elusive goal.
Gaps in International Cooperation:
The world has long struggled with fragmented efforts in addressing rabies. For decades, countries with high rabies burdens worked in silos, and cross-border collaboration was minimal. This disconnection allowed rabies to continue claiming lives, especially in vulnerable populations, such as children and those in remote areas. The turning point came when global health organizations, local governments, and NGOs began to unite under a shared goal of eliminating rabies by 2030. This breakthrough moment broke down the barriers to information-sharing, resource allocation, and joint action.
Lack of Access to Quality Vaccines:
One of the most formidable barriers in the fight against rabies has been the lack of access to high-quality vaccines, especially for those in rural and underserved communities. Vaccines exist, but their distribution has been uneven, with shortages often occurring where the need is greatest. A game-changing shift occurred when the international community came together to increase vaccine production, ensure equitable distribution, and offer subsidized or free vaccinations to at-risk populations. By focusing on mass vaccination campaigns, particularly in regions with high incidences of dog-borne rabies, these efforts significantly reduced the number of cases.
Limited Public Knowledge:
Public ignorance about the dangers of rabies and how to prevent it continues to hinder progress. Many people, especially in rural areas, remain unaware of the importance of vaccinating their pets and livestock or the steps to take after a potential rabies exposure. Grassroots campaigns, spearheaded by local organizations and supported by global initiatives like World Rabies Day, have helped bridge this knowledge gap. Public health messages, educational programs, and media campaigns have raised awareness, leading to increased vaccinations and better handling of post-bite scenarios.
The Road to Zero Rabies:
As the world continues its journey to shatter these barriers, the path to rabies elimination remains steep but achievable. The story of "Breaking Rabies Boundaries" is one of determination, innovation, and collaboration across borders, cultures, and communities. It highlights the necessity of a unified global response, the provision of essential resources like vaccines, and the empowerment of communities through education. Each step forward brings the world closer to a future where no one dies from rabies, and the disease is finally relegated to history.
This is not just a health success story but a testament to the power of collaboration and the human drive to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Writer: Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer, Department of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh; President (2023-24), Rotary Club of Rajshahi Central, RID-64 BD; General Secretary, Bangladesh Livestock Society (BLS), Joint Executive Editor (Bangladesh livestock journal; ISSN 2409-7691), Secretary SHUJON, (Rajshahi Metropolitan), President, BBCF, Rajshahi and Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA), Rajshahi
