- Nearly 200 Students Educated on Rabies, Dengue, Japanese Encephalitis and Personal Hygiene
- Raincoats Distributed to Sanitation Workers as Part of Monsoon Welfare Campaign
Bareilly: The Veterinary Public Health (VPH) Division of the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Bareilly, organized a special awareness programme on the occasion of World Zoonoses Day, highlighting the importance of preventing diseases that spread from animals to humans and promoting healthy practices among schoolchildren and the wider community.
The programme was held at Shanti Agrawal Saraswati Vidya Mandir Inter College, Bareilly, in coordination with Rotary Club (Izzatnagar) and the office of the Additional Chief Medical Officer, Bareilly. The initiative aimed to educate students about zoonotic diseases and encourage preventive healthcare measures.
Students Educated on Zoonotic and Vector-Borne Diseases
During the awareness session, Dr. Himani Dhanje, Senior Scientist at the Veterinary Public Health Division, emphasized the importance of rabies prevention, particularly because of its serious impact on children. She also highlighted the growing public health concerns posed by mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, Japanese encephalitis, and chikungunya, which continue to affect large populations across Uttar Pradesh.
Students were informed about symptoms, transmission routes, and preventive measures related to these diseases. Special emphasis was placed on personal hygiene and community health practices that can significantly reduce disease risks.
Live Demonstration on Hand Hygiene
As part of the programme, students were given a practical demonstration of proper handwashing techniques to reinforce the importance of personal hygiene in preventing infections.
To assess and strengthen the knowledge gained during the session, a quiz competition was organized, drawing enthusiastic participation from students. Informative leaflets on dengue and Japanese encephalitis were also distributed among participants.
Approximately 200 students attended the event and actively participated in the awareness activities.
Welfare Initiative for Sanitation Workers
On the occasion of World Zoonoses Day, the Veterinary Public Health Division also launched a welfare initiative for IVRI sanitation workers, recognizing their crucial role in maintaining public health and cleanliness, particularly during the monsoon season.
Dr. Babloo Kumar, Head of the Veterinary Public Health Division, and Dr. Himani Dhanje distributed raincoats to sanitation workers and appreciated their dedicated services. The workers were also sensitized about common monsoon-related illnesses and advised on maintaining personal hygiene and safety while performing their duties.
Promoting the One Health Approach
The programme underscored the significance of the “One Health” approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Organizers stressed that effective control of zoonotic diseases requires coordinated efforts among veterinary experts, medical professionals, public health authorities, and local communities.
By combining student awareness, preventive health education, and welfare measures for frontline workers, IVRI’s World Zoonoses Day observance highlighted the importance of community participation in building a healthier and safer society.
Report: Akhilesh Chandra Saxena, Bareilly.
