Act Now: You, Me, Community
Rabies kills, but it doesn’t have to. It’s 100% preventable—yet people still die because of panic, delay, or wrong advice. This year’s theme is a clear call: Act Now. You, Me, Community.
First, What NOT To Do
When a bite or scratch happens, the first instinct is often wrong.
• Don’t squeeze the wound or try to “let the saliva out.” It spreads the virus deeper.
• Don’t rub garlic, vinegar, or oil—these don’t heal, they harm.
• Don’t wait for symptoms—once rabies signs appear, it’s already too late.
The Right First Aid
Here’s what saves lives:
1. Wash the wound under running water with soap for at least 15 minutes.
2. Disinfect with iodine or alcohol.
3. Cover loosely with a clean cloth or bandage.
4. Go immediately to the nearest health center or hospital for rabies shots.
You
• Vaccinate your dogs and cats.
• Treat every bite or scratch as serious, no matter how small.
• Remember: licks on open skin, eyes, or mouth can also spread rabies.
Me
• Be a responsible pet owner.
• Share truth, not myths.
• Support rabies campaigns and set the example.
Community
• Organize free or low-cost vaccination drives.
• Teach children and families the right steps.
• Push leaders to keep human and animal vaccines ready and affordable.
Rabies doesn’t only come from dogs. Cats, bats, monkeys, even farm animals can carry it. And it’s not only from bites—scratches and licks can spread it too.
You act. I act. We act together. Rabies has no cure—but it has an end, if we act now.
ᴛʸᵖⁱⁿᵍ ᴏᵘᵗ ᵒᶠ ᵗʰᵉ ʙˡᵘᵉ ᵈᵃʳᵉᵐ ᵐᵘˢⁱᶜ ᵇˡᵒᵍ
