World Rabies Day and Prevention Week observed across Nagaland

In observance of World Rabies Day 2025 under the global theme “Act Now: You, Me, Community,” awareness and vaccination programmes were held across Kohima, Jalukie, Dimapur, Niuland and Chümoukedima to promote rabies prevention and responsible pet ownership.
In Kohima, a free anti-rabies vaccination camp was organised by the District Veterinary Hospital and Chief A.H. & Veterinary Office in collaboration with Panchayat Lower Chandmari Colony and Lower Chandmari Youth Organisation, Ward 13. A total of 159 pets were vaccinated at the camp held at Panchayat Office, Lower Chandmari. The Panchayat and Youth Organisation expressed appreciation to the department for its proactive initiative in safeguarding community health.
At Jalukie, an awareness programme was held at St. Xavier’s College, jointly organised by the College of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry (CVSc & AH), Jalukie, under Central Agricultural University, Imphal, and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), CMO Peren. Over 500 students, faculty and dignitaries participated. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Raghubir Singh highlighted the “Zero by 2030” initiative and stressed collective responsibility in combating rabies through vaccination and education.
Meanwhile, World Rabies Prevention Week was observed at Dimapur, Niuland and Chümoukedima with awareness programmes held at Community Hall Hovishe (Niuland), Community Hall Tenyiphe-II (Chümoukedima), and Community Hall Lengrijan (Dimapur Sadar) on September 25, 26 and 27 respectively. The programmes were organised by IDSP Dimapur Unit under CMO Dimapur in collaboration with the Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry.
The week-long observation aimed to educate the public, especially high-risk groups such as children, pet owners and animal handlers, on rabies transmission, bite management, and the importance of pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) vaccination. Community leaders were encouraged to promote responsible pet care and ensure vaccination of pets.
Resource persons included District Programme Officer CD-1/DSO Dr. A. Kavito Zhimomi, Chief Veterinary Officers Dr. Hokato (Niuland), Dr. Amenla Imchen (Chümoukedima), Dr. E. Kopfoh (Dimapur), and IDSP Epidemiologist Dr. Molung.