Guwahati: The Assam Rabies Elimination Project was officially launched on Wednesday in a joint initiative led by Mission Rabies WVS, JBF (Just Be Friendly), and supported by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Assam, and the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC).
The event was inaugurated at the Gauhati Press Club by Mrigen Sarania, Mayor of GMC, along with several distinguished 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.
During the launch, Moloy Baruah emphasised the importance of rabies control and the significant impact the project will have on the community.
Dr. Deka, in his speech, underscored the connection between human, animal, and environmental health, stressing the need for integrated efforts to tackle the issue.
Rabies hotline was also inaugurated by Mayor Mrigen Sarania.
He applauded JBF’s efforts in Guwahati and highlighted the hotline’s vital role in responding to and preventing rabies cases.
The event was attended by GMC councillors, Veterinary Officer Dr. Kailash Chamuah, and respected professors from the College of Veterinary Science, Khanapara.
The Assam Rabies Control Project is designed in two primary segments. The first focuses on the Guwahati metropolitan area, aiming to vaccinate at least 70 percent of the city’s dog population.
This segment will also enhance rabies surveillance through Integrated Bite Case Management (IBCM) and conduct widespread awareness programmes in schools, hospitals, and public spaces.
The second segment targets three model districts, where mass vaccination drives and improved coordination between veterinary and public health departments will serve as a demonstration for successful rabies elimination strategies.
An essential part of the project is the launch of a dedicated rabies hotline, which is now active at 9706049585.
The public is encouraged to call and report any suspected rabies cases, helping authorities respond swiftly and effectively.
Mission Rabies, a global initiative by Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS), has previously implemented successful rabies control programmes in states like Goa, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
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These projects have seen great success through strong government partnerships, the integration of public health, veterinary, and community-led efforts, as well as scientific research and targeted vaccination strategies.
With Assam now being a focal point, the project aims to replicate this success in the state and establish it as a model for rabies elimination in Northeast India.
As rabies remains a major public health threat, the project takes a significant step toward the global goal of Zero Rabies by 2030.
Rabies is a 100 percent preventable disease, and this initiative represents a critical move towards ensuring a rabies-free Assam.
