KUCHING: Students, families, pet owners and members of the public will have the opportunity to learn more about rabies prevention through the Stop Rabies Carnival 2026 here on Aug 22.
The community engagement programme, organised by Boehringer Ingelheim Malaysia and the Malaysia One Health University Network (MyOHUN), will be held at Dewan Delima, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), from 8am to 2pm.
The carnival is aimed at strengthening public understanding of rabies prevention while supporting the goal of achieving zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030.
Guided by the One Health approach, the programme highlights the close connection between human, animal and environmental health, while bringing together communities, healthcare professionals, veterinarians, educators and government agencies.
Organisers said although rabies is entirely preventable, it continues to pose a public health challenge in Sarawak, making continued education and community participation important in efforts to prevent the disease.
The carnival will feature the Rabies Hero Ambassadors Showcase as well as interactive exhibition booths involving MyOHUN, Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS), Sarawak Health Department (JKNS), Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) and Sarawak Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA).
There will also be a rabies talk by Dr Salehatul Khuzaimah Mohamad Alia and Dr Sarah Tay, followed by an educational talk by SSPCA at 11am.
Other activities include a special performance by OHMy-X, certificate presentations, awards and a lucky draw.
The programme is open to students, educators, pet owners, community leaders, healthcare and veterinary professionals as well as members of the public, with registration beginning at 8am.
Among the programme partners are MyOHUN, SSPCA, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Sarawak, UNIMAS, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, JKNS, Sarawak Education Department, Global Alliance for Rabies Control, MPKS, Boehringer Ingelheim Malaysia and Rhone Ma Malaysia.
The initiative is also supported by the Ministry of Education, the state government and DVSS.
Parents and guardians attending the carnival are encouraged to supervise young children, while visitors have been advised to follow organisers’ instructions and practise good hygiene throughout the event.
