Rabies prevention: awareness campaign in school assemblies on Monday

The Health department, in collaboration with the Education department, will organise an awareness programme against rabies in schools.

On Monday, health workers will lead awareness classes on rabies prevention for schoolchildren during the assembly hour in all government and aided schools across the State, a statement issued by the Health department on Saturday said.

The Education department has issued a special directive to schools in this regard. Doctors or health workers from local health institutions and urban health centres will participate in the awareness sessions.

In each district, one main school will host a district-level programme, which will be attended by the District Collector, people’s representatives, and district-level officials from the Health and Education departments.

Quick first aid and vaccination are extremely important when it comes to animal bites. Children are especially vulnerable to rabies infection if they sustain animal bites. Children as well as teachers will be given awareness on administering first aid after an animal bite or even a skin scratch made by animal claws. The importance of vaccination and how one should interact with animals will also be taught to children.

In July, awareness classes will be conducted for all school teachers and parents through PTA meetings. Leaflets, videos, and posters offering guidance for children will also be prepared and widely distributed.

The campaign aims at raising the awareness of rabies and its preventive measures among children so that they will take the message home.