Ampati. Sept 28: With rabies remaining a preventable but potentially fatal disease, health and veterinary authorities in South West Garo Hills have called for prompt treatment of animal-bite wounds, timely vaccination and stronger community participation to prevent rabies deaths.
World Rabies Day 2026 was observed at the Vocational Training Centre of the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department, Ampati, on Sunday, with the theme “Stronger Together”. The programme was organised by the District Health Society, South West Garo Hills, in collaboration with the District Veterinary Office, Ampati.
Dr. Matgrik K. Sangma, in his keynote address on “Stronger Together to Eliminate Rabies”, highlighted the symptoms of rabies and stressed the importance of immediate action following an animal bite. He advised people to wash bite wounds thoroughly with running water for 10–15 minutes and seek medical attention without delay for vaccination and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
He also said that two persons had reportedly died of rabies in the Betasing area during the past two years.
Dr. Violine A. Sangma, District Veterinary Officer, Ampati, emphasised the need to take rabies awareness to the village level and called for coordinated efforts among communities, health services and veterinary authorities.
The programme was chaired by Dr. Lensley R. Marak, A.H. & V.O., Vigilance Unit, Ampati, who delivered the welcome address. Shri S. R. Marak, ADC, Ampati, attended the programme as Chief Guest, while Dr. Sanjay T. Sangma, A.H. & Veterinary Officer, Mobile Unit, made a presentation on rabies prevention and control.
School students also took part in poster-making, slogan-writing and essay-writing competitions aimed at promoting awareness on rabies prevention, responsible animal care and vaccination. Prizes were distributed to the winners.
The significance of World Rabies Day was also highlighted, with the day commemorating the death anniversary of Louis Pasteur, whose work led to the development of the first effective rabies vaccine.
The organisers reiterated that rabies is preventable and stressed the need for collective action to protect both people and animals, with the message: “Prevent, Vaccinate, Save Lives.”
