It gives me immense pleasure to know that’ “World Rabies Day” is being observed throughout the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on 28th September, 2021 along with the rest of the world. The day marks the anniversary of Louis Pasteur’s death, the French chemist and microbiologist, who developed the first rabies vaccine. This day is celebrated to raise awareness about the impact of rabies on humans and animals, provide information and advise on how to prevent the disease and take efforts to control rabies. The theme for World Rabies Day 2021 is “Rabies: Facts, not Fear”. World Rabies Day is a day of activism and awareness. It is an opportunity for us to join the global movement to put an end to suffering caused due to rabies by organizing or taking part in a World Rabies Day event.
Rabies is 99.9% fatal, but is also 100% preventable. Eliminating the disease by vaccinating dogs protects them and stops transmission to people. It is significant here to mention that Andaman and Nicobar Islands is the only region in the India which is still free from the disease. We can continue to maintain this position in future by maintaining strict quarantine and disease surveillance. It is essential for the veterinary professionals to increase awareness of rabies prevention and control in communities including education and information on responsible pet ownership, about the benefits of rabies vaccination for animals, humans, and public health.
I extend my best wishes towards this endeavour.
Sd/-
(Admiral D K Joshi)
PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd)
Lieutenant Governor Andaman and Nicobar Islands
& Vice-Chairman, Islands Development Agency
