World Rabies Day

Every year, World Rabies Day is observed on 28 September to raise awareness about rabies and encourage communities to prevent this deadly but preventable disease.

Animals are a part of our environment and, for many families, beloved companions. We should treat them with kindness—but kindness must always go together with knowledge and responsibility.

What Is Rabies?

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system of humans and animals. It is usually transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, most commonly through a bite or scratch.

Dogs are responsible for the vast majority of human rabies cases worldwide, and rabies remains a serious public-health problem in many parts of Africa and Asia.

Once clinical symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal. However, timely wound care and appropriate post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) can prevent the disease from developing.

What Should You Do After an Animal Bite?

A bite or scratch should never simply be ignored.

Do Not Try to Catch a Suspicious Animal

Avoid unnecessary contact with an animal that may be infected. Contact the appropriate veterinary or local authorities instead.

Teach Children How to Stay Safe Around Animals

Children need special attention because they may not understand animal behaviour or recognise potentially dangerous situations.

Loving Pets Means Being Responsible

From the Saleeqamand perspective, keeping a pet is not only a hobby—it is a responsibility.

Vaccinating dogs is one of the most important strategies for preventing dog-mediated human rabies.

Does Every Dog or Cat Carry Rabies?

No.

Awareness about rabies should never become hatred or fear of animals. A healthy, properly vaccinated pet that is responsibly cared for is very different from an animal suspected of being infected.

Where Is Rabies Still a Major Problem?

Rabies occurs in more than 150 countries and territories around the world. Human deaths occur predominantly in Africa and Asia, and children are particularly vulnerable.

The global burden is difficult to measure precisely because rabies cases and deaths can be underreported in some regions.

The One Health Approach

Rabies demonstrates the important connection between human health, animal health, and the environment.

Protecting people from rabies requires cooperation between medical professionals, veterinarians, governments, communities, animal welfare organisations, and families.

A Special Message for Women and Families

Saleeqamand believes that women and families can play an important role in health education at home.

Parents can make rabies awareness part of everyday family education. Children should know exactly what to do if they are bitten or scratched.

Three Simple Rules to Remember

Rabies Can Be Prevented

The fight against rabies is not about choosing between people and animals. It is about protecting both.

We can show kindness toward animals while also protecting our families. We can keep pets while following responsible vaccination and care practices. We can teach children to love animals while also teaching them how to interact safely with them.

Saleeqamand's Message on World Rabies Day

At Saleeqamand, we believe a beautiful society is one where compassion and responsibility go together.

Animals are part of Allah's creation and deserve kindness and humane treatment. At the same time, protecting human life requires awareness, vaccination, safe behaviour, and timely medical care.

Health Disclaimer: This article is for general health awareness and does not replace professional medical advice. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, wash the wound immediately and seek medical care as soon as possible. A healthcare professional should determine whether rabies post-exposure treatment is required.