As part of the observation of World Rabies Week 2024, an awareness program on rabies was held at Nangbah LP School, Nangbah Village, West Jaintia Hills on September 27, 2024, under the theme” Breaking Rabies Boundaries.” The programmed was organised by the Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Meghalaya in collaboration with the District Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Department and Local Headman which was attended by the District Medical & Health Officer, the District Surveillance Officer (DSO), the Medical & Health Officer i/c Nangbah, A.H. & Veterinary Officer, Veterinary Dispensary, Nangbah and other Officials, School Children, Self Help Group, Residents of Nangbah Iawmusiang, and other Stakeholders.
Welcoming everyone, the Medical Officer i/c Nangbah, PHC Dr. D. Hinge explained the significance of the awareness programme, aimed at helping the public understand the danger of rabies and the importance of breaking the chain of rabies infection through vaccination.
Dr. M. Syngkon, District Surveillance Officer explained about the Rabies Infection, its transmission, Sign & Symptoms. She also stressed the importance of getting the Anti Rabies Vaccine in case of Dog Bite or any Animal bites. She also mentioned that Vaccines can be life – saving if administered at the earliest and that the vaccines are free of cost.
Dr. E Chen, A. H & Vet. Officer, Nangbah, West Jaintia Hills, mentioned that the Vaccination in animals is also as important as that in humans and that people should get their pets vaccinated in order to combat Rabies. She also explained about the Signs and symptoms of Rabies in Animals especially Dogs.
The DMHO, West Jaintia Hills, Dr. K Dhar also expressed his appreciation for this collaborative effort between the two Departments as well as the Cooperation of the Residents and the Dorbar shnong. He wished that such efforts of working together should continue not only for Elimination of Rabies but also for preventing and combating other Diseases.
The village Headman thanked the District Officials for organising such an event and also urged the residents of Nangbah to cooperate with the Health & Veterinary Department.
