The Department of Health (DOH) highlighted the significance of collaboration between government agencies and non-government organizations to ensure harmonized response against rabies. DOH Central Luzon Center for Health Development (CLCHD) Nurse V Joseph Michael Manlutac said observances such as World Rabies Day remind everyone of the importance of awareness regarding rabies prevention and control.

“More importantly, it reminds us of the role of different stakeholders so that we can prevent increasing rabies cases and ensure that we have zero death,” he emphasized during the observance of World Rabies Day in Central Luzon.

For her part, DOH CLCHD Infectious Cluster Head Angelica Joy Diaz said this year’s celebration of the World Rabies Day with the theme “All for 1, One Health for All”, is a reminder that the power to end rabies lies within the collective actions of all stakeholders who continuously work together to eliminate rabies as a public health problem.

“On this important day, we call upon all stakeholders, healthcare professionals, veterinarians, and the community at large to join forces in the fight against rabies. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that knowledge about rabies prevention, responsible pet ownership, and vaccination campaigns is disseminated widely,” she said.

Diaz also cited that DOH recognizes the importance of the occasion in raising awareness about the health and safety implications associated with rabies, as she emphasized that through coordinated efforts and education, stakeholders can protect human and animal lives and strive for a future free from the fear of rabies.

Highlighting the regional celebration is an awarding to celebrate the uniqueness and charm of pets.

The awards included Early Bird, Cutest Pet, Best Dressed Pet, “Most Disciplined/Behaved, Unique Grooming, Most Active, Best in Twinning, People’s Pet, and Most Pawtogenic (Photogenic).

Complimentary samples of dog and cat foods, essential pet items, and various pet goods were also distributed to the pets.

There was also a pet vaccination to emphasize the ongoing collaborative efforts in the fight against rabies in support of the global objective to eliminate rabies-related deaths by 2030 or #Zeroby30.

Records from the DOH showed that as of June 2023, there were already 132,416 animal bites, and 28 human rabies deaths.

While rabies is a 100 percent fatal disease, it can be entirely prevented through responsible pet ownership and prompt interventions. (PIA 3)