“Prevention is better than cure”

we have come across this health metaphor in many instances, similarly it applies with rabies and dog-bites in prevention of the untoward outcome significantly. For this community education and awareness campaigns on rabies focusing on the disease transmission and presentation; importance of Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP); and appropriate behaviour around dogs to avoid dog-bites. Thus on the occasion of World Rabies Day’24 a significant occasion was organised at Borengajuli Tea Estate Hospital, at Udalguri, Assam, India marking our ongoing efforts to raise awareness and promote rabies prevention. The celebration included a variety of activities aimed at educating and informing the local population where the community members were provided with essential information about rabies, its transmission, and the importance of vaccination. The meeting allowed participants to interact directly with health officials, medical officers, and CreIndia team members, facilitating a dialogue on rabies prevention and control measures. CreIndia collaborated closely with the District Health Society, Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), Medical Officers (MOs), Community Health Officers (CHOs), Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), and other staff members to ensure a coordinated and community-driven approach to rabies prevention showcasing the value of partnerships with local health authorities in delivering effective public health interventions.

School based direct interventions which included interactive session, display of posters and distribution of pamphlets were conducted on December 2024 to impart knowledge to the students on dog-mediated rabies and healthy behaviour towards free roaming dogs. The schools included Udalguri Girls Higher Secondary School, Diamond English School, Khwrang High School, Bandarguri High School, Nalkhamara High School, and Kabirali Higher Secondary School. Interactive session with the students on rabies, its causation and how to prevent it from occurring in humans; in addition doubts and misinformation were also addressed from the students and teachers. Poster and pamphlets were displayed in various public spaces and government offices- like Udalguri college premises to reach out to the college students; primary health centre premises to reach the public attending the facility for health services; and Office of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Udalguri. Multi-lingual posters highlighted information regarding rabies and its outcomes, importance of PEP, transmission of the disease, busting of myths and facts, including promotion of healthy behaviour towards free roaming dogs and adoption of local dogs. Pamphlets were distributed to educate the students on how to prevent dog-bites and how to avoid any provocative actions towards a dog.

This collaboration was crucial in enhancing the reach and impact of the purpose of the program to reinforce its commitment to achieving a rabies-free Assam. The activities conducted in Udalguri district represent a holistic approach to rabies elimination by leveraging diverse stakeholder participation and adopting evidence based strategies integrating education, community engagement, and healthcare system strengthening. The data and experiences gathered will be instrumental in shaping strategic interventions and policies to enhance the efficacy and sustainability of rabies prevention initiatives in the region.