Spreading Awareness
We must urgently raise global awareness about this deadly infection. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 40% of victims are children under the age of 15. Many children, lacking awareness and fearing discipline at home, often do not report bites or scratches from animals.
Consequently, many children become infected with rabies and miss the opportunity for urgent medical treatment, resulting in thousands of preventable deaths worldwide. To address this critical issue, we can implement educational workshops in schools and communities focused on rabies prevention and awareness. Additionally, launching outreach programs that provide information and resources about Post-Exposure Prophylaxis will empower families to pursue necessary medical care promptly. Establishing partnerships with local health organizations and veterinary clinics can further support these initiatives by increasing access to educational materials and potentially life-saving treatments.
I encourage you to share your personal experiences with rabies and the potential challenges of accessing timely treatment. Reflecting on my own story, when I was in Grade 1, my father took me to a pet store where I was bitten by a hamster. We were initially denied access to Post-Exposure Prophylaxis, as the risk was considered low. However, our family went through a very tough time, with my parents visiting multiple hospitals in search of treatment, repeatedly facing denial. Eventually, we found a hospital that could arrange for this treatment, and we were financially able to afford it, a stroke of luck not all families share. Recognizing this disparity as I grew older inspired me to launch this initiative to support those families who are financially unable to afford such treatments. By sharing your stories, together we can shine a light on these challenges, fostering a deeper understanding and support to prevent such risks for other children.