World Rabies Day is commemorated yearly on September 28th. Since 2007, it has aimed to raise awareness as well as advocacy for the elimination of rabies globally. Low-resource settings disproportionately bear the burden of rabies, particularly in dogs. Vaccination efforts in developed countries have largely interrupted the transmission of rabies in dogs, and current vaccination efforts target wild animals that harbor rabies. Read this fact sheet from the World Health Organization (WHO) to learn more about key facts, overview, prevention, and more on rabies.
This year's World Rabies Day 2023 theme is, “All for 1, One Health for all.” The theme expresses we, working in animal health, human health, and the environment, are all responsible as stakeholders in the battle to eliminate rabies. We can also all work together towards One Health. This year’s theme addresses key trends within the rabies community to take action to operationalize One Health.
We at the ISID believe a One Health approach is key to the elimination of rabies. Our newest journal, IJID One Health, showcases this particular research as well as global best practices.