‘Zero By 30’ Global Goal: Boehringer Ingelheim Ramps Up ‘Stop Rabies Campaign’ In Bintulu

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 25 (Bernama) — Boehringer Ingelheim Malaysia is ramping up its prevention mission on the epidemic through the 2025 phase of its Stop Rabies Campaign, which is now targeting rural communities in Bintulu, Sarawak, to achieve the global ‘Zero (deaths from rabies) by 2030’.

The campaign, which was launched recently at the Jungan Longhouse in Bintulu recently, mobilises communities, youth leaders and veterinary experts to combat the outbreak, which is one of the most urgent but preventable public health threats in Malaysia.

Since rabies was first detected in Sarawak in 2017, a total of 77 deaths have been recorded, mostly due to delayed treatment after animal bites, according to a media statement issued by Boehringer Ingelheim Malaysia.

The statement also quoted Dr Kam Kok Yen, Head of Animal Health for Boehringer Ingelheim Malaysia, Singapore & Indonesia, who said rabies is a disease that can be overcome with existing knowledge and tools, yet too many lives are still lost unnecessarily.

Hence, he said the Stop Rabies Campaign in Bintulu aims to empower communities with life-saving knowledge and vaccines, ensuring Malaysia takes decisive steps toward achieving Zero by 2030.

The campaign at Rumah Panjang Jungan features an interactive rabies education programme which, among other things, includes guidance on immediate treatment steps after a bite, responsible pet ownership and how to identify signs of aggressive dogs.

The programme is being implemented in collaboration with the Malaysia One Health University Network (MyOHUN), supported by the Sarawak Veterinary Services Department (DVSS), Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) and Universiti Putra Malaysia Sarawak (UPMS).

The initiative was followed by an animal vaccination campaign by DVSS to ensure that both pets and stray animals in the area receive protection.

Jepak assemblyman Iskandar Turkee, who attended to support the campaign, said Sarawak’s experience proved that significant progress in stopping rabies outbreaks can be achieved with the collaboration of the government, scientific experts and communities.

Meanwhile, Tuai Rumah of Rumah Jungan, Jungan Anak Mitoh said: “This campaign gives us the knowledge and tools to protect our children and animals. It shows that when the community comes together, we can protect everyone”.

The Stop Rabies Campaign is further complemented by the ‘Rabies Hero Ambassador Programme’ at UPMS, where seven youth champions from high-risk districts showcased innovative rabies prevention projects, including a social media awareness campaign and annual vaccination checks in schools.

The awareness campaign is part of the Sustainable Development for Generations (SD4G) framework of Boehringer Ingelheim, a German-pioneered biopharmaceutical company for human and animal health, in prioritising long-term health outcome driven by community engagement.

The initiative also supports the global ‘Zero by 30’ target to eliminate human deaths from rabies by 2030 through mass education, pet vaccination, and cross-sector collaboration, added the statement.

— BERNAMA

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