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Kasese, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | World Rabies Day (WRD) that is marked annually on September 28, will be celebrated in Kasese, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) has confirmed.
The day is marked to raise awareness and advocate for elimination of the disease globally. The commemoration has been spearheaded by the Global Alliance of Rabies Control since 2007.
This year, World Rabies Day will be celebrated under the theme “Breaking rabies boundaries: acknowledging that there are several barriers to rabies control, and the disease is transboundary in nature.”
“This year’s theme reminds the world that it is important for different stakeholders to work together through a One Health approach in order to end rabies, and it is possible to end the disease by 2030 as per global target,” said Maj Gen David Kasura-Kyomukama, MAAIF Permanent Secretary in a statement.
As part of celebrations, a number activities will be undertaken from 24th to 28th Sepetember. These include vaccination, spaying and castration of stray dogs and cats; together with awareness creation through brochures, banners , using loud speakers hailing people, and employing radio as well as television programs.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) in partnership with the Uganda Veterinary Association (UVA) and other stakeholders will organise the World Rabies Day.
The World Rabies Day in Uganda in 2021 was hosted by Arua in West Nile chapter, in 2022 it was hosted by Tororo in Eastern Chapter, in 2023 it was hosted by Gomba in Central Chapter.
Meawhile, the Uganda Veterinary Association (UVA) has also announced that the 43rd Scientific symposium will be held on 28th November 2024 at Las Vegas Hotel, Mbarara city, Western Uganda. They have therefore made a call for scientific papers to be presented at the symposium.
The symposium will provide a platform to researchers, innovators, veterinary entrepreneurs, policy makers veterinarians, veterinary paraprofessionals and other livestock value chain actors to share their expertise, study findings, and practical applications of new technologies relevant to the animal industry.
The symposium is organized under the theme: “The role of veterinary professionals in promoting holistic health and sustainable wealth in communities”.
According to Dr. Obbo Bonifance, General Secretary UVA, “For purposes of presentations, the theme has been divided into three sub-themes to capture the different aspects of veterinary practice as follows. Innovations and Advancements in research, health education, and animal production; The role of veterinary professionals in Public Health, Policy, and Climate Resilience; Economic Empowerment through veterinary practice.
“The Uganda Veterinary Association therefore invites participants to submit abstracts for either oral or poster presentations at the symposium,” Obbo said. Deadline for submission is October 15th, 2024.
Dr. George Muhanguzi has been named the Chairperson-Scientific Symposium Committee,
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