World Rabies Day 2025 observed at BGS Medical College and Hospital
Introduction
The Department of Community Medicine, BGS Medical College & Hospital, Nagarur, commemorated World Rabies Day 2025 on 3rd October 2025 with the global theme “Act Now: You, Me, Community.” The observance aimed to raise awareness about rabies prevention, strengthen cross-sector collaboration through the One Health approach, and reinforce the collective commitment to the “Zero by 2030” global target for rabies elimination.
Event Proceedings
The program was seamlessly hosted by Dr. Pratap Pawar, Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine. Invocation Song was rendered by Ms. Pushpa and Mrs. Sowmya, Medical Social Workers. The dignitaries jointly lit the ceremonial lamp, marking an auspicious beginning to the day’s proceedings.
Address by Dignitaries:
Dr. K. S. Gangadhara, Dean cum Principal, BGSMCH
Dr. Sheshagiri Rao, In-Charge Chief of Hospital, BGSMCH
Scientific Session Highlights:
A series of expert talks followed, featuring distinguished speakers who shared insights from clinical, veterinary, and public health perspectives:
Dr. Raghuram V, Professor & Head, Dept. of Community Medicine, BOS MCH — “History & Epidemiology of Rabies: Zero by 2030”
Dr. R. Gayatri Devi, Professor & Head, Dept. of Microbiology, BGSMCH — “Rabies Virology and Diagnosis of Rabies”
Dr. Shrikrishna Isloor, HoD of Veterinary Microbiology & Director, WOAH–CVA Rabies Laboratory, KVAFSU, Bengaluru — “Rabies in Animals and One Health Approach”
Dr. D. H. Ashwath Narayana, Professor of Community Medicine, Former HoD & MS, KIMS Bengaluru, Past President, APCRI — “Rabies Prophylaxis & NACP”
Dr. Chiranthan C. M., Assistant Professor & ARC I/C, Dept. of Community Medicine, BGSMCH — “ARC @ BGSMCH: Facilities, Vision, and Planned Activities”
Key Highlights
Participation of eminent academicians, clinicians and public health professionals.
Deliberations emphasizing rabies prevention strategies, animal-human health collaboration, and national rabies control efforts.
Introduction of the Anti-Rabies Clinic (ARC) initiatives at BGSMCH, outlining upcoming awareness and surveillance activities.
Reinforcement of the One Health concept, integrating human, animal, and environmental health systems.
Outcomes
The observance successfully enhanced awareness about rabies prevention and control while fostering intersectoral collaboration. Expert sessions provided valuable insights into epidemiology, virology, prophylaxis, and diagnostic advancements, while BGSMCH reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening community-based preventive services.
The event promoted active engagement towards the global goal of Rabies Elimination by 2030.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Alignment
SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development.
