World Rabies Day is observed in these Islands on 28 September this year. It will mark the 16th World Rabies Day. This year’s theme ‘Rabies: One Health, Zero Deaths’ highlights the deep connection between the environment and the living beings- both people and animals. The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that an integrated approach to health and collaboration across sectors can minimize the loss of lives.
Rabies is a zoonotic disease and is almost invariably fatal. The infectious agent is a virus which affects the central nervous system, and the disease is dreadful due to the horrifying nature of symptoms suffered by the patient before death. Humans mostly contract the disease from rabid dogs. Globally an estimated 59,000 human rabies death occur annually in over 150 countries, with 95% of cases occurring in Africa and Asia. India accounts for 59.9% of rabies deaths in Asia and 35% of deaths globally. The spread of the disease can be prevented only through vaccinating dogs and other susceptible pets and zoo animals. Prophylaxis in humans is the only available immunization.
Rabies control programmes offer a great example for One Health implementation, and the structures and trust that underpin these are crucial for other zoonotic diseases as well, including those that are pandemic-prone.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands are one of the only regions in India which are still free from this disease. We can continue to maintain this exemplary performance in future through strict disease surveillance and the contribution of all the stakeholders. I exhort all of you to be vigilant and create pet awareness among the masses, including the pet owners.
I extend my best wishes towards the endeavour.
Sd/-
(Admiral D K Joshi)
PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.)
Lieutenant Governor
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
&
Vice-Chairman, Islands Development Agency
