World Rabies Day

World Rabies Day is held each year on 28 September, the anniversary of Louis Pasteur’s death. Created and co-ordinated annually by the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC), World Rabies Day aims to increase awareness of the disease and its prevention.

This year's theme is ‘Rabies: facts, not fear’, urging people to focus on the facts about rabies and dispel any myths or misconceptions. The theme acts as a reminder of the key current global issues that also affect rabies elimination. 

• The GARC encourage the sharing of accurate facts about rabies, as well as ensuring decisions about rabies control in separate countries are based on the correct, most up-to-date information. 
• By sharing facts regarding the benefits of vaccinating animals against rabies, and by ensuring that exposed people receive post-exposure prophylaxis, it is hoped myths about rabies vaccination will start to dispel, helping to ensure everyone is protected. 

Further advice and information on rabies is available on the TRAVAX (for health professionals) and fitfortravel (for the general public) websites.

Source: TRAVAX, 20 September 2021