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Manipal, 29^th September 2022: Manipal Institute of Virology (MIV), MAHE organized the 16th World Rabies Day by hosting an online national webinar on the 28th of September 2022. It marks the death anniversary of Father of Microbiology, Louis Pasteur to commemorate his contributions to the development of the first rabies vaccine and to raise awareness of the disease worldwide. The theme for World Rabies Day, 2022 adhered to “One health, Zero Deaths” emphasizing on a multisectoral approach to eliminate the disease by 2030.

The event saw enthusiastic participation from across the country. The keynote address was given by Dr. Venkatraya M Prabhu, Pro Vice Chancellor (Health Sciences), MAHE. The webinar featured four presentations delivered by eminent scientists and physicians across the country which focused on prevention, control and elimination of rabies. They also highlighted how the disease has devastating impact especially on the rural and marginalized communities. The experts elaborated on various strategies that can be adopted for elimination of rabies in India.

The speakers included Dr. D H Ashwath Narayana, Professor of Community Medicine, Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Bengaluru, Dr. Abi Manesh, Associate Physician Grade II Infectious Diseases Research and Training Center (IDTRC), Department of Infectious Diseases, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Dr. Ashwini M A, Senior Scientific Officer, NIMHANS, Bengaluru and Dr. Ravish H S, Professor of Community Medicine, Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences, Bengaluru.

Speaking about the webinar Dr. Venkatraya M Prabhu, Pro Vice Chancellor (Health Sciences), MAHE said “There is a great need for the creation of awareness around rabies in our country. A holistic approach involving efforts of all stakeholders is the only way the disease can be eradicated. With this in mind, we organized this webinar on World Rabies Day 2022, to highlight the significance of rabies awareness programmes and initiatives.

Dr. Chiranjay Mukhopadhyay, Director, Manipal Institute of Virology said “The burden of endemicity of rabies in India is an issue that needs attention. Rabies is a vaccine-preventable viral disease which can be controlled and eradicated through proper measures. Manipal Institute of Virology has undertaken research activities and awareness initiatives in this regard and will continue to do so in the future as well”

Followed by the webinar, MIV also organized a collage making competition where students and research scholars of the institute participated and shared their creativity in the form of innovative collages based upon the theme of this year’s World Rabies Day. The competition was judged by Dr. Vandana K E, Professor and Head, Department of Microbiology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal.