The event saw enthusiastic participation from across the country. The keynote address was given by Dr Venkatraya M Prabhu, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Health Sciences), MAHE. The webinar featured four presentations delivered by eminent scientists and physicians across the country which focused on the prevention, control and elimination of rabies. They also highlighted how the disease has a devastating impact,s, especially on rural and marginalized communities. The experts elaborated on various strategies that can be adopted to eliminate rabies in India.
The speakers included Dr D H Ashwath Narayana, Professor of Community Medicine, Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Bengaluru, Dr Abi Manesh, Associate Physician Grade II Infectious Diseases Research and Training Center (IDTRC), Department of Infectious Diseases, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Dr Ashwini M A, Senior Scientific Officer, NIMHANS, Bengaluru and Dr Ravish H S, Professor of Community Medicine, Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences, Bengaluru.
Speaking about the webinar Dr Venkatraya M Prabhu, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Health Sciences), MAHE said “There is a great need for the creation of awareness around rabies in our country. A holistic approach involving the efforts of all stakeholders is the only way the disease can be eradicated. With this in mind, we organized this webinar on World Rabies Day 2022, to highlight the significance of rabies awareness programmes and initiatives.
Dr Chiranjay Mukhopadhyay, Director, Manipal Institute of Virology said “The burden of endemicity of rabies in India is an issue that needs attention. Rabies is a vaccine-preventable viral disease which can be controlled and eradicated through proper measures. Manipal Institute of Virology has undertaken research activities and awareness initiatives in this regard and will continue to do so in the future as well”
Followed by the webinar, MIV also organized a collage-making competition where students and research scholars of the institute participated and shared their creativity in the form of innovative collages based upon the theme of this year’s World Rabies Day. The competition was judged by Dr Vandana K E, Professor and Head, Department of Microbiology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal.