The World Rabies Day, held on September 28 every year, was initiated by GARC (Global Alliance for Rabies Control) in 2007 to create a global opportunity for people to unite in rabies prevention. Since then, it has grown year on year, with hundreds of thousands of people organizing and participating in local, regional and national events, on or around September 28. Rabies is 99.9% fatal, but it is also 100% preventable. Eliminating the disease by vaccinating dogs protects them and stops transmission to people.
I am happy to learn that the World Rabies Day is observed in the Islands along with the rest of the world with the theme of “Share the message: Save a life” to create awareness and provide information on disease prevention and control. It is significant here to mention that Andaman and Nicobar Islands is one of the only regions in India which is still free from this disease. We can continue to maintain this position in future by contribution of all the stakeholders through strict quarantine and disease surveillance. The need is to be vigilant and create awareness among the masses including the pet owners.
I extend my best wishes towards this endeavour.
Sd/-
(Admiral D K Joshi)
PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM(Retd.)
Lieutenant Governor
Andaman & Nicobar Islands