A report on World Rabies Day 28.09.2022
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY MEDICINE
Guntur Medical College
Background:
The world rabies day is conducted on 28th September of every year by WHO which highlights the connection between the environment, people and animals. The rabies control programme is a great example of how crucial it is as an intervention in the control of other zoonotic diseases. This year marks the 16th world rabies day with the theme “Rabies: one health, zero deaths”. The global strategic plan for the elimination of dog mediated human rabies by 2030 is an ambitious target which advocated integrated approaches and optimal collaboration. With this background the Dept of community medicine, Guntur Medical College in association with Hindu College of Pharmacy, Guntur conducted awareness and sensitization programme for the undergraduate students on rabies, and how to stop this preventable disease.
Key Messages:
The Key messages were delivered by the Principal, Guntur Medical College, Dr. C. Padmavathi Devi followed by the Principal of Hindu College of Pharmacy, Guntur, Dr. M.V.Nagabhushanam. The importance of rabies as a fatal disease was highlighted by the Vice Principal, Guntur Medical College, Dr. Chandrakala.K.
The topic on epidemiology and the current status of rabies disease was discussed by Dr.Sita Rama.A, Professor & Head, Dept. of community medicine. The theme of the present year and its significance was presented by Dr.P.Radha Kumari, Professor, Dept. of community medicine. Assistant professors from the department Dr Hani Rajesh.A and Dr Arun Kumar.B , interacted with the students and clarified the misconceptions and their doubts . Other faculty and PGs from the department actively encouraged the students and shared real world experiences about cases of dog bite and the various environmental and social implications. Students from the 3rd year MBBS have made a video with active engagement in the form of role play and animations and also included content on how to manage a case of dog bite, and the steps to observe when faced with an aggressive dog. The video was well received by the audience.
Acknowledgement:
The event was conducted successfully under the guidance of Dr P.Radha Kumari, Professor, Dept of Community Medicine and active encouragement from Dr. C. Padmavathi Devi, Principal, Guntur Medical College. The event ended on a positive note and served as a good platform for sensitizing the students on the theme of world rabies day 2022 with active participation from the entire faculty from Dept of Community Medicine and from faculty of Hindu College of Pharmacy.