Sarawak’s Rabies Battle: The Fight Against a Deadly Disease

Sarawak’s Rabies Statistics

Rabies is more than just an image – it’s a deadly, yet preventable, disease that affects both humans and animals.

In Sarawak, where the fight against rabies has been ongoing since its re-emergence in 2015, the stakes are high, with over 70 human fatalities since the outbreak began.

The urgency of this fight cannot be overstated as rabies remains a significant public health concern.

Rabies Vaccination: A Lifesaving Measure

To prevent the spread of rabies, vaccination is the cornerstone of protection for both pets and humans.

This year, Sarawak has taken a strong stance by mandating dog vaccinations under Section 40 of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999, penalising non-compliance with fines up to RM1,000.

The Ministry of Health Sarawak reported 8,219 cases of animal bites from pets and strays between December 2023 and June 2024, reinforcing the need for such regulations.

Malaysia One Health University Network (MyOHUN) deputy coordinator Dr Nur Indah Ahmad urges pet owners to vaccinate their animals as rabies can spread rapidly through bites from infected animals.

“Pets allowed to roam freely are at risk, and unvaccinated animals expose their owners and families to danger.

“Vaccinating pets annually creates a protective barrier that keeps communities safe from this deadly virus,” she told Bernama.

STOP Rabies Campaign: Education and Awareness in Action

To complement vaccination efforts, Boehringer Ingelheim Malaysia has expanded its STOP Rabies Campaign in collaboration with MyOHUN and other key partners.

This campaign aims to reach more communities through education, particularly focusing on schoolchildren.

By educating over 3,000 students about rabies prevention, the campaign seeks to foster a culture of awareness and responsibility in preventing rabies outbreaks.

One Health: A Unified Approach

Rabies is a zoonotic disease, meaning it spreads from animals to humans, making it a prime example of why the One Health approach is crucial.

The One Health initiative brings together human, animal and environmental health sectors to collaborate in addressing shared health challenges.

President of MyOHUN Prof Dr Abdul Rahman Omar emphasised that this unified strategy is vital to combat rabies effectively.

“Preventive measures such as vaccination, responsible pet ownership and community education are responsibilities that fall on all sectors. It is through collaboration that we can achieve rabies elimination,” he said.

The Road to Rabies Elimination by 2030

Representing Sarawak’s Deputy Premier at the STOP Rabies campaign in Kota Samarahan, Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) deputy chairman Datu Buckland Bangik expressed strong support for rabies control efforts.

“Rabies is a significant concern, not just for Sarawak but globally. Our government is committed to eliminating rabies by 2030 through vaccination, public outreach and surveillance programmes,” he said.

Conclusion

Sarawak is intensifying its fight against rabies, and the combined power of vaccination, education and community engagement offers hope that the state can achieve its goal of being rabies-free by 2030. The ongoing partnership among local authorities, international organisations and communities demonstrates that the fight against rabies is truly everyone’s responsibility.

FAQs

Q: What is the significance of rabies in Sarawak?

A: Rabies is a significant public health concern in Sarawak, with over 70 human fatalities since the outbreak began in 2015.

Q: What is the main cause of rabies in Sarawak?

A: Rabies is caused by the bite or scratch of an infected animal, most commonly dogs and cats.

Q: How can I protect myself and my family from rabies?

A: Vaccinating pets annually, washing wounds promptly after an animal bite, and seeking immediate medical attention are crucial steps in preventing rabies.

Q: What is the goal of the STOP Rabies Campaign in Sarawak?

A: The campaign aims to raise awareness and promote education and vaccination efforts to eliminate human rabies deaths by 2030.

Q: Who is involved in the STOP Rabies Campaign?

A: Boehringer Ingelheim Malaysia, Malaysia One Health University Network (MyOHUN), and other key partners are working together to launch the campaign.

Q: How can I get involved in the fight against rabies in Sarawak?

A: You can get involved by spreading awareness, promoting education and vaccination efforts, and supporting local authorities and international organisations in their efforts to eliminate rabies in Sarawak.