As part of the World Rabies Day celebrations, the Department of Community Medicine of the Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences organized a workshop on the theme “Rabies-Free Society under One Health Concept” at its premises on the outskirts of Madikeri.
The programme was organized in association with the World Organization for Animal Health Reference Laboratory for Rabies, Veterinary College, KVAFSU, Bengaluru, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Kodagu District, the District Health and Family Welfare Department, Kodagu, the Indian Medical Association (Kodagu Unit), and the Indian Red Cross Society, Kodagu.
The programme was inaugurated by Veterinary Health Expert Dr. Srikrishna Ishlur, Dean and Director of Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences Dr. Lokesh A. J., and District Health Officer Dr. Satish Kumar K. M. Professors and Heads of the Department of Community Medicine Dr. Ramachandra Kamath, Dr. Narasimha Rai, and Dr. Shivanna, along with Joint Directors of AHVS Dr. Shamappanna, IMA Kodagu representative Ravindra Rai, members of the Indian Red Cross, and other distinguished guests participated.
Veterinary Health Experts Dr. Srikrishna Ishlur and Dr. Nitin Prabhu, along with Rabies Control Expert Dr. D. H. Ashwath Narayana, delivered informative sessions on rabies epidemiology, prevention strategies, post-exposure prophylaxis, and intersectoral coordination.
A state-level quiz competition on rabies was conducted for undergraduate students, and cash prizes were distributed. The prizes were sponsored by Venkatanarasimha from Bengaluru. The first prize was awarded to B.G.S. Global Institute of Medical Sciences, the second to Veterinary Medical College, Hassan, and the third to K.M.C. Manipal College.
Human and animal health experts delivered lectures on the importance of the “One Health” concept, preventive measures for rabies, vaccination methods, and an integrated approach to human-animal health sectors. Medical and veterinary professionals, students, and public health officials actively participated. All participants unanimously emphasized the importance of coordination between human and animal health sectors to achieve the global goal of “Zero by 2030.”
The Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences and its partners reaffirmed their commitment to work together towards building a rabies-free society on this occasion.
