Rabies, a lethal viral disease transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, remains a pressing threat to both human and animal populations in the Philippines. Despite being entirely preventable, it continues to claim 400+ lives annually, particularly in regions with limited access to information and vaccination.
In response to this ongoing challenge, the government of the Philippines declared March as Rabies Awareness Month through RA 9482, marking a crucial initiative to combat the disease. Seizing this opportunity, Civitas Medicos collaborated with the Office of the City Veterinarian, Barangay Tulungatung Officials, and healthcare workers to spearhead efforts in Barangay Tulungatung, Zamboanga City.
This initiative focused on raising awareness of responsible pet ownership practices and educating the community about the detrimental effects of poor practices. Additionally, free anti-rabies vaccines were provided to household pets, aiming to mitigate the spread of the disease and ultimately save lives. Moreover, pet registration was also facilitated and conducted to ensure better management and accountability within the community. The program was conducted on March 21,2024, successfully registering and vaccinating over 150 household pets.
The Office of the City Veterinarian, Zamboanga City, played a crucial role in supporting this initiative, aligning with the goal of achieving "Zero Rabies by the year 2024." This collective efforts highlight a strong commitment to public health and animal welfare in the City.