World Rabies Day 2023: Date, significance, history and theme; everything you need to know about the day

Every year on September 28, people around the world come together to observe World Rabies Day, a global initiative organized by the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC) and dedicated organizations. This day serves as a vital platform to raise awareness about rabies and mobilize efforts to combat this deadly disease.

Understanding Rabies
Rabies is a viral disease that affects mammals, including humans, and is notorious for its near-uniform fatality once symptoms appear. However, it is a preventable illness through vaccination and other preventive measures. Despite its devastating nature, rabies persists across several continents, claiming an estimated 60,000 lives globally each year, with children making up 40% of the victims. Dog bites are the primary cause of rabies cases in humans, emphasizing the importance of controlling rabies in the canine population to prevent human infections.

Honoring a Pioneer
World Rabies Day also pays tribute to the memory of French scientist Louis Pasteur, who passed away on September 28, 1895. Pasteur's groundbreaking work led to the development of the rabies vaccine, a life-saving achievement that continues to benefit society.

Objectives and Significance
This day is not merely a commemoration but a call to action. Its primary goals include raising awareness, promoting vaccination, advocating for control measures, and celebrating achievements in the fight against rabies. World Rabies Day serves as a reminder that rabies remains a persistent public health threat in many parts of the world, urging ongoing efforts to combat the disease and protect both animal and human populations from its deadly impact.

Global Collaboration and the Path to Zero Deaths
Under the theme "All for 1, One Health for All," this year's World Rabies Day emphasizes unity and inclusivity. As the largest event in the global rabies calendar, it aims to raise awareness and advocate for the worldwide elimination of rabies. It encourages collective action, bringing together individuals, organizations, and stakeholders from all sectors to combat rabies.

As the international community works toward the shared goal of achieving zero deaths from dog-transmitted rabies by 2030, World Rabies Day plays a pivotal role. This ambitious objective is outlined in the Global Strategic Plan for rabies eradication, showcasing the world's commitment to eradicating this preventable disease.

An Interdisciplinary Approach
This year's theme underscores the importance of a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach to effectively combat rabies. It highlights the crucial roles played by professionals in human, animal, and environmental health sectors in preventing the spread of rabies. By uniting under the banner of "All for 1, One Health for All," we can strive for a world free from the threat of rabies.