By Nancy Nais
KUCHING, May 16: The second edition of the Rabies in Borneo (RIB) Conference 2023 is set to become a major platform to gather local and international expert solutions in the communities affected by rabies.
The two-day event from Oct 31 and Nov 1 this year will be held at the Imperial Hotel Kuching.
Speaking at a press conference today, Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) director Dr Adrian Susin Ambud said Sarawak aims to be rabies-free by 2025 and having a conference like RIB is one of the steps towards that goal.
Calling last year’s first edition a success, Dr Adrian said RIB Conference managed to bring together international and local experts and practitioners who created a platform on rabies knowledge transfer and exchange.
“Last year, we focused on two approaches to rabies prevention; the scientific (medical and veterinary) method and community participation. Topics such as Rabies Elimination: The Global Agenda, Bite Case Management, Enforcement and Licensing, Rabies in Borneo: The Way Forward, Responsible Pet Ownership, Humane Capture Methods and Immune Belt were discussed.
“This year, we hope to continue and explore further some of these topics with even more depth and updated information from our regional and global speakers and counterparts,” he told reporters.
To ensure Sarawak’s rabies outbreak is under control, Dr Adrian said it was made possible through awareness, surveillance of affected areas, prevention measures and anti-rabies vaccination programmes.
He emphasised how their research has shown that mass vaccination campaigns have been the most effective measure for controlling rabies.
As such, DVSS will organise as many of these campaigns as possible throughout Sarawak.
“Our high vaccination coverage is attained through comprehensive strategies consisting of well-designed educational campaigns, inter-sectoral cooperation, community participation, and commitment in planning and execution.
“These free-for-all anti-rabies vaccination programmes are still ongoing and have been very well received since their inception. On top of that, we are constantly educating the public and creating awareness amongst local communities via mass media, primarily through the Internet, as it is the fastest medium to disseminate information to our communities.
“We also want everyone to know that rabies is a vaccine-preventable disease. Vaccinating our dogs is the most cost-effective strategy for preventing rabies,” Dr Adrian added.
Meanwhile, among those at the press conference were Minister for Modernisation of Agriculture and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, Deputy Minister for Modernisation of Agriculture and Regional Development Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail, chief executive officer (CEO) of Business Events Sarawak Amelia Roziman and CEO of Place Borneo Sdn Bhd Mona Abdul Manap. — DayakDaily
