Eliminating human deaths from rabies is an achievable goal, with continued global cooperation, vaccination programs, and community awareness, we can work towards a world free from the threat of rabies. The 2nd year PBBSc Nursing students (Batch II) and the faculty, Department of Community Health Nursing in collaboration with Lions Club & Community Health Centre, Shirva organized an awareness program on Rabies on 12th October 2023 at St.Mary’s Highs School Shirva.

The program was started with an invocation by Ms. Nelifer Shreya and Ms.Glanish Aranha, which was followed by a welcome address by Ms.Glanish Aranha, 2nd year PBBSc Nursing student. The program was inaugurated Ln. Mr.Felix D’Souza, President, Lions Club, Shirva, Mrs. Sabeena Priya Noronha, Principal, St.Mary’s High school, Shirva, Ms. Nisha, Community Health Officer, Shirva, Dr Shashidhara YN Head Department of Community Health Nursing MCON and, Ms.Tejaswi the student representative by lighting the lamp

The presidential address was given by Ln. Mr. Felix D’souza, President, Lions Club, Shirva. He has given an overview of the disease with statistics on the magnitude of the disease. Mrs. Sabeena Priya Noronha, Principal, St. Mary’s High School, Shirva, appreciated the efforts of the students and the faculty of the Department of Community Health Nursing, MCON for selecting their school for conducting the program. Ms. Nisha, Community Health officer, Shirva elaborated on the first aid management, vaccination and the services available in PHCs and CHCs, followed by a session on the significance of the day by Dr. Shashidhara YN, Professor and Head of the Department of Community Health Nursing. He has emphasized on vaccination of pet & stray dogs and also requested the President of the Lions club to take an initiation for the vaccination of stray dogs present in their area as one of the activities in their Lions club.

A role play on dog bite, symptoms of rabies and post-prophylaxis management of Rabies was performed by the students, followed by a presentation on Rabies and post-prophylaxis treatment, by Ms.Tejaswi and Mr. Velron, 2nd-year PBBSc Nursing students and also students were allowed to clarify their doubts.

The program came to an end with a vote of thanks by Mr. Rakshith R, 2nd-year PBBSc Nursing student, and Mr. Smaran, 2nd year PBBSc Nursing student was the master of ceremony for the program. Ms.Joylin, CHO, CHC, Shirva, MCON, and Secretary, Lions Club & Coordinator, LCIF were present for the program. The beneficiaries of the program expressed that the program was very useful and informative. A total of 104 students participated in the program. This program was conducted as part of the sustainable developmental goals 3 and 4 initiatives (SDG 3 & 4), to enhance the knowledge of students on rabies and it was coordinated by Dr. Shashidhara YN, Professor and Head, and Mrs Manjula Assistant Professor, Department of Community Health Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing Manipal.