Basic Information
World Rabies Day is observed to raise awareness about the burden of rabies and improve prevention and control efforts worldwide.
Observed on: September 28
Organized by: WHO, GARC
Introduced in: 2007
Observed: Worldwide
About World Rabies Day
Every year September 28 is observed as World Rabies Day. Aim of the observance is to raise awareness about the burden of rabies and make together efforts to enhance prevention and control efforts worldwide.
The observance of the day is important as there were thousands of deaths occurring around the world every day due to rabies. Even though it is 100% preventable disease, the major problem with it is the lack of basic life – saving knowledge among people who are getting affected or having high risk of the disease.
The day was first observed on 2007 September 8 and from 2008 onward the day is observing on September 28. The date 28 September is the anniversary of Louis Pasteur’s death, the French chemist and microbiologist, who developed the first rabies vaccine.
Activities and Programs on Rabies Day
WHO and Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC) are actively promote various activities on this day. Many NGOs, government organizations, international agencies, public health practitioners, animal health workers, etc. are also part in awareness programs on this day.
World Health Organization (WHO), World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have come together to eliminate human deaths from dog-transmitted rabies by 2030.
Many programs are conducting around the world to educate, give awareness and spread rabies prevention messages as part of the observation. Some includes promoting vaccinating pets, awareness and educational programs which teaches how to stay safe from the animals that spread rabies, educating about the importance of vaccination at correct time, etc. Some other awareness programs includes bike rides, promotional run or rallies or walks, street plays, etc. are also conducting on this day.
Programs in 2019 is focuses on vaccination as foundation for all rabies control efforts. The theme is selected to raise awareness at many levels includes:
- Ensure that dogs are kept vaccinated
- Help people in need to seek and obtain PEP
- Commit to the 2030 goal of eliminating rabies death
Theme for World Rabies Day
World Rabies Day 2020 Theme is “End Rabies: Collaborate, Vaccinate”
World Rabies Day 2019 Theme was “Rabies: Vaccinate to Eliminate”
Rabies Day 2018 Theme was “Rabies: Share the message. Save a life“
2017 Theme: Rabies: Zero by 30.
2016 Theme: Rabies: Educate. Vaccinate. Eliminate
2015 Theme: End Rabies Together
2014 Theme: Together Against Rabies
2013 Theme: Rabies: understand it to defeat it