Assam Rabies Elimination Project Launched to Combat Rabies in Guwahati and Beyond

GUWAHATI: The Assam Rabies Elimination Project was officially launched on Wednesday through a collaborative effort by Mission Rabies WVS, JBF (Just Be Friendly), and supported by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Assam, as well as the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC).

The inauguration took place at the Gauhati Press Club, where Mrigen Sarania, Mayor of GMC, was joined by a distinguished group of guests, including Dr. Dandeswar Deka, Member of the Veterinary Council of India, Moloy Baruah, Environmentalist, Dr. Sashanka Sekhar Dutta, Founder and Managing Trustee of JBF, and Dr. Balaji Chandrashekar, Director of Operations for Mission Rabies India.

In his speech, Moloy Baruah talked about how important it is to control rabies and how the project will help the community. Dr. Deka stressed the strong connection between human, animal, and environmental health, and called for teamwork to tackle the problem effectively.

The Rabies Hotline was also officially launched by Mayor Mrigen Sarania, who commended JBF’s efforts in Guwahati and emphasized the hotline’s crucial role in addressing and preventing rabies cases. The event was attended by GMC councillors, Veterinary Officer Dr. Kailash Chamuah, and esteemed professors from the College of Veterinary Science, Khanapara.

The Assam Rabies Control Project is divided into two main segments. The first focuses on the Guwahati metropolitan area, with the goal of vaccinating at least 70% of the city’s dog population. This segment also aims to improve rabies surveillance through Integrated Bite Case Management (IBCM) and to conduct widespread awareness campaigns in schools, hospitals, and public spaces.

The second part of the project focuses on three districts, where vaccination efforts and better teamwork between veterinary and public health departments will work to get rid of rabies. A main part of the project is the new rabies hotline at 9706049585. People are asked to report any possible rabies cases so authorities can respond fast.

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