Rabies is one of the oldest known diseases, feared for centuries for its swift and deadly impact. Despite being 100 per cent preventable, the virus continues to claim thousands of lives worldwide each year, mostly in regions where vaccination and awareness are limited. World Rabies Day, observed annually on September 28, serves as a reminder that prevention is possible – and that collective responsibility is key to saving both human and animal lives.
Action against a deadly disease
RABIES history spans from 500 BCE, when the first bite was documented. Records from ancient Greece show that the “father of modern science”, Democritus, described the disease as canine rabies, while the Greek philosopher and polymath noted the “madness” of affected dogs and the subsequent spread of the disease to other animals through bites.
In 1885, the first rabies vaccine was developed by Dr Louis Pasteur. His innovation saved a nine-year-old boy named Joseph Meister, who had been severely bitten by a rabid dog. With several administrations of the vaccine, the boy’s life was eventually saved. This proved that with early detection and proper care, rabies can be prevented.
Thus, World Rabies Day is celebrated every year to raise awareness of early prevention through vaccination. The day also serves as a reminder to communities about how deadly rabies can be. Established by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other international health agencies, this commemorative effort is also a day for action, serving as a crucial platform to promote mass dog vaccination.
This global movement unites partners and communities toward a shared mission: eliminating deaths from rabies and achieving the “Zero by 30” goal. With this year’s theme centred around communities – ‘Act Now: You, Me, Community’ – everyone is called to work together to eliminate the disease.
What does this theme mean? (by WHO)
- You – Take action in your personal life: Vaccinate your dog, educate yourself about how to prevent rabies and about pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis, or advocate for better policies.
- Me – Lead by example: Inspire others, train professionals, or support rabies elimination efforts in your community.
- Community – Work together: Organise vaccination campaigns, educate learners and their families, and push for stronger rabies elimination programmes.
How can you act now? (by WHO)
- Host an event: Organise a rabies awareness campaign, a school workshop, or a local vaccination drive.
- Nominate a rabies hero: Submit a nomination for the World Rabies Day Awards to celebrate individuals already making a difference.
- Learn and share: Take one of WHO’s free online courses and spread awareness in your network.
- Raise your voice: Share messages on social media, talk to local leaders, or host a discussion in your community.
Reaching ‘Zero by 30’
In Sarawak, rabies is no stranger since its first case in 2017. Since then, community leaders have worked to prevent the disease from spreading further. Mass vaccinations for pets and easy access to vaccinations and treatments for pet owners have helped curb rabies transmission.
For dog owners, Sharon Toh and Ooi Peik See, who have one and two dogs respectively, preventing rabies is taken seriously, and they understand the disease thoroughly.
“Rabies can be dangerous and life-threatening to both pet owners and pets,” said Ooi.
Agreeing, Toh added that she ensures her dog receives the anti-rabies vaccine annually.
“I also make sure my dogs don’t wander loosely outside the house compound,” she said.
With tight grills to prevent escape, they also ensure that if the dogs do go out, they are strictly on a leash.
“As paw-parents, it is essential that we take full responsibility for our pets by vaccinating them yearly and not being negligent in preventive measures,” added Ooi.
As dog lovers, they have also ensured that they themselves received the rabies vaccination, as prevention is better than cure. Toh, who keeps up with her dog’s appointments with the veterinarian, also maintains all medical records carefully.
She advises pet owners bringing their pets for vaccination to bathe them beforehand and to keep them indoors for at least three weeks afterward.
“We must be responsible pet owners to prevent more casualties. Keep up with the yearly anti-rabies vaccine and ensure pets don’t mix with stray dogs or cats to avoid any unwarranted incidents,” Toh added.
As the world works toward the ambitious “Zero by 30” goal, it is clear that the fight against rabies requires more than awareness – it demands action. Vaccinations, responsible ownership, and community-driven campaigns remain our strongest defences against this deadly disease.
In Sarawak, where memories of rabies outbreaks are still fresh, stories like Toh’s and Ooi’s show that ordinary paw-parents can play extraordinary roles in safeguarding lives. By standing together – you, me, and the community – we move closer to a future where rabies no longer poses a threat but instead becomes a lesson in how unity and responsibility can truly save lives.
