Along with the rest of the country, World Rabies Day was observed on September 29 across Nagaland by carrying out mass vaccination drive.
In Dimapur, a short programme was organized by Health and Family Welfare in collaboration with department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Dimapur, at Imkonglenden Panchayat hall under the theme “Adopt one health: stop rabies”.
Delivering keynote address, District Livestock Development Officer (DLDO) Dr KN Zubemo Humtsoe mentioned that with increase in movement of people, animals and animal products from international travel and trade, diseases have been rapidly spreading across borders and around the world. These changes have resulted in spread of existing as well as new or emerging zoonotic diseases that can easily spread between human beings and animals, he said.
Humtsoe also mentioned that “One Health” approach can prevent outbreaks of zoonotic disease in animals and human; improve food safety and security; improve human and animal health; protect global health security and can certainly help in protecting biodiversity and conservation. Further, he suggested that through collective responsibility and collaboration among the professionals and experts, One Health approach can help to achieve the best health outcomes for human, plants and animals in a shared environment.
Facts about rabies was delivered by VAS, Dr Langnyei and awareness on rabies on human health was delivered by DHD MD Dr Neilasakuo.
Later, vote of thanks was delivered by Epiedemiologist, Dr Molung Jamir which was followed by dog vaccination drive wherein 115 dogs inoculated free anti rabies vaccine.
Phek: Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP) Phek in collaboration with the Veterinary Department Phek has observed World Rabies Day, under the theme “Rabies: All for 1, one Health for All” at CMO conference hall, Phek.
Dy.Director Veterinary Dept. Dr.Diko Nursory, highlighted and sensitized the participants on the importance of Rabies Vaccine which was the most effective way to prevent rabies infection.
He also informed the availability of post bite vaccination for dog. He also deliberated on the diagnostic, importance of immunizing the pet animals and different symptoms found in Rabies dog. Speaking on the theme DVBO Dr .Shevo Hiese emphasised that to combat rabies collection effort was required from individuals, communities, organization etc.
Wokha: Marking World Rabies Day, the Wokha District Health Society and the Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry conducted a seminar and mass dog vaccination drive at the Veterinary Hospital in Saron Colony, Wokha on September 28.
The event held on the theme, “All for 1, One Health for all”, underscored the significance of multi-sectoral collaboration in combating rabies, a fatal zoonotic disease.
District Epidemiologist, Dr. Khesheli Awomi, lauded the collective efforts in observing the day and encouraged locals to use the free government-provided dog vaccination services. Emphasizing the preventable nature of rabies, she advocated for responsible pet ownership and timely reporting of any suspected rabies cases.
In his address, District Surveillance Officer, Dr. K. William Humtsoe, revealed that Wokha has not witnessed any human deaths due to rabies. He credited this achievement to the effective rollout of the National Rabies Control Programme, which offers free anti-rabies vaccines and treatment to animal bite victims in the district.
Meanwhile, District Livestock Development Officer, Dr. E Mhonlumi, discussed the critical roles of dog population management and annual vaccination in breaking the rabies transmission chain from dogs to humans. Over 500 digs were vaccinated at the mass dog vaccination drive at Veterinary office, Wokha.