Stop Rabies 2024 Campaign expands to three more districts

KUCHING: The Stop Rabies 2024 campaign by Boehringer Ingelheim Malaysia is expanding its efforts to include three districts in the southern region of the state.

Boehringer Ingelheim (Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia) head of animal health Dr Kam Kok Yen said the locations include Kota Samarahan, Lundu and Bau following positive reception during the campaign in Serian last year.

“This campaign emphasises educational initiatives among school students.

“We aim to involve over 300 school students in this campaign, hoping to equip them with knowledge, raise awareness, and enhance understanding of rabies prevention,” he said.

He said this during the opening ceremony of the Stop Rabies 2024 campaign programme at Riverine Ballroom here last night (July 26).

Kam added that the initiative includes vaccination efforts, education and monitoring, covering additional geographical areas including the three districts mentioned.

He explained that the effort is also expanded with the goal of supporting Sarawak’s aim to be rabies-free by 2030.

“The STOP Rabies campaign was introduced to support our mission to improve animal and human health worldwide. We are also committed to supporting Sarawak in its fight against rabies,” he added.

Kam noted that Boehringer Ingelheim Malaysia is offering free rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats from July 27 to 28 in Kota Samarahan, Bau and Serian.

“I urge pet owners in Sarawak to cooperate in this effort by bringing their pets for vaccination.

“By taking this important step, we can prevent the spread of rabies within the community, families, and protect pets,” he stated.

Also present were State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) deputy chairman Datuk Buckland Langik, State Health Director Dr Veronica Lugah and MyOHUN deputy coordinator Dr Nur Indah Ahmad.

Buckland (4th left) and Kam (1st right) officiate at the programme.