Iran’s Ambitious Goal: Eradicating Rabies by 2030 for a Healthier Future
In an effort to eradicate rabies by 2030, the national veterinary organization has launched comprehensive initiatives focusing on cross-sectoral cooperation and widespread rabies vaccination. Rabies remains a significant public health concern, impacting both livestock and humans, and officials emphasize the necessity of managing this zoonotic disease effectively.
Seyyed Saeed Hosseini, a representative from the national veterinary organization, stated, “Rabies, as one of the common diseases between humans and animals, is a serious public health problem. If we can control the disease in the livestock, particularly in dogs, which are highly susceptible to carrying the disease, we can prevent its transmission to humans and move towards its eradication.” These remarks were made on World Rabies Day, commemorated annually on September 28.
Highlighting the importance of the One Health approach, Hosseini noted that “the world is aiming to achieve the goal of zero human deaths from rabies by 2030.” He emphasized that through synergy and cooperation across various sectors, effective measures can be implemented to prevent zoonotic diseases. Veterinary medicine plays a vital role in disease care and vaccination.
Currently, most pet dogs receive vaccinations from their owners, while the national veterinary organization administers vaccines to approximately 800,000 herd and guard dogs each year. However, this effort is insufficient. Hosseini pointed out that addressing the issue of stray dogs is crucial for achieving herd immunity.
To obtain satisfactory immunity levels, it is essential to achieve a vaccination coverage of at least 70 percent among at-risk dog populations. Collaboration among responsible organizations, including municipalities, rural cooperatives, the Ministries of Interior and Health, and private sectors, is vital. Hosseini added, “No single act will be able to address the problem.”
Globally, around 59,000 deaths from rabies are reported each year, but fortunately, the fatality rate in Iran is considerably lower.
World Rabies Day aims to enhance public awareness about rabies prevention and appropriate actions to take following a bite. In this context, the Pasteur Institute of Iran organized special programs both in-person and online.
- Educating the public about rabies and its associated risks.
- Promoting prevention methods.
- Enhancing collaboration between governmental and non-governmental organizations.
Qobad Moradi, an official from the health ministry, highlighted that “the event serves as a great opportunity to showcase achievements, measures, and challenges in managing the disease.”
This year’s World Rabies Day theme was “Act now: You, Me, Community,” emphasizing the significance of collaborative efforts in disease prevention. Notably, for the first time in its 19-year history, the theme does not mention the word ‘rabies’, reflecting the movement’s maturity. It urges individuals and organizations alike to take responsibility, work together, and enact meaningful change.
The call to “Act Now” is crucial, as it can mean the difference between life and death. As a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD), rabies disproportionately affects underserved communities, particularly in Africa and Asia. Tragically, rabies claims another victim every nine minutes, yet these deaths are entirely preventable when proper post-exposure procedures are followed. Eliminating this disease requires a collective commitment to action.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has produced a series of educational films designed to enhance community understanding of rabies. These films are tailored for various audiences, including:
- Children
- Parents
- Community health workers
Through these initiatives, the aim is to cultivate awareness and foster a community-oriented approach to rabies prevention. Together, by acting now, the global community can work towards a future free from the threat of rabies.
As we reflect on the importance of World Rabies Day, it is evident that individual and collective actions are paramount in the fight against this deadly disease. The time to act is indeed now, as we strive for a healthier, rabies-free world.
