Shillong, September 26 : The District Joint Steering Committee for Rabies Elimination, East Khasi Hills, in collaboration with the Health and Veterinary Departments, Shillong Municipal Board, NGOs, and community leaders, observed World Rabies Day 2025 on 26th September 2025 at Lumparing Sports Club Indoor Hall under the theme “ACT NOW: YOU, ME AND THE COMMUNITY.”
The programme was graced by Sanbor Shullai, MLA South Shillong and Minister in-charge Animal Husbandry & Veterinary, Arts & Culture, Printing & Stationery, and Legal Metrology, as Chief Guest, and P.K. Sangma, Additional Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills, as Guest of Honour.
In his address, Minister in-charge Animal Husbandry & Veterinary, Arts & Culture, Printing & Stationery, and Legal Metrology Sanbor Shullai urged citizens to vaccinate pets, promptly manage dog-bite wounds, and support stray dog control, emphasizing that rabies is 100% preventable but fatal if neglected.
P.K. Sangma, Additional Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills highlighted the urgent need for community action to prevent rabies.
Dr. R.R. Marak, District Nodal Officer, NRCP, shared that Meghalaya reports over 19,000 dog-bite cases annually, with more than 5,000 from East Khasi Hills, and 15 deaths already this year. Most fatalities occur because bites or scratches are often taken lightly.
The programme featured awareness talks and discussions by experts: Dr. N. Marbaniang, District Veterinary Officer, Dr. Lambert Syiemlieh, Dr. Freddy Nongdhar, Bernadeth Sohtun HUFAN, Andrew Umdor (SMB), and Dr. Iada Lyngdoh, State Nodal Officer NRCP. A pledge-taking ceremony led by the Chief Guest, poster competition of School Children, and a special drive to catch and vaccinate stray dogs were also conducted.
World Rabies Day, observed annually on 28th September, commemorates Louis Pasteur and aims to raise awareness about prevention, responsible pet ownership, and timely action against rabies.
