In observance of World Zoonoses Day 2025, the National Rabies Control Programme (NRCP), Tuensang, under the Office of the Chief Medical Officer, in collaboration with the Centre for One Health – NCDC, NOHP-PCZ, Sentinel Surveillance Site, and BSL-2 Laboratory, District Hospital Tuensang, organized an awareness programme for ANM students and health workers on July 6.
The programme was chaired by Dr. John Shupao, Epidemiologist, Tuensang. Themed sessions were delivered by key resource persons highlighting various aspects of zoonotic diseases and the importance of coordinated prevention efforts.
Dr Tochi Chang, Nodal Officer, NOHP-PCZ, spoke on the significance of World Zoonoses Day, the history of the day commemorating the discovery of rabies vaccine by Louis Pasteur, and the ongoing NOHP-PCZ project in Tuensang aimed at early detection and prevention of priority zoonotic diseases.
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Dr Mohan Sharma, Microbiologist, BSL-2 Lab, District Hospital Tuensang, briefed participants on priority zoonotic diseases and shared insights into the available testing capabilities at the lab. He stressed the need for timely diagnosis and surveillance.
Dr Aojongshi, Veterinary Assistant Surgeon (VAS), Tuensang, delivered a talk on fatal zoonotic diseases such as Rabies, Brucellosis, and Salmonellosis, emphasizing that rabies is 100% fatal once symptoms appear, making vaccination the only effective preventive measure.
Poster Presentation by Student Nurses
The awareness programme also featured a Poster Competition among student nurses. A total of 24 students, divided into 12 groups, presented posters on topics such as symptoms, transmission, control, and prevention of zoonotic diseases. The competition was judged by a panel comprising Dr. Tochi Chang, Dr. Kemhieneinuo (Medicine Specialist), and Dr. Aojongshi. The winners were distributed trophies, prize money and certificates as first, second, third and best poster awards.
Group Photo of Participants
A total of 50 participants were present representing from CMO office Tuensang, NRCP staffs,
NOHP-PCZ staffs, Hospital Staffs, Nursing faculties and Hospital Staff.
Zoonoses are the diseases or infections that are naturally transmitted between vertebrate animals and man. An estimated 60% of known infectious diseases and up to 75% of new or emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic in origin. Every year, World Zoonoses Day is celebrated to mark the anniversary of the first vaccination against rabies, a zoonotic disease on July 6, 1885. This day is celebrated with the objective to raise awareness about zoonotic diseases.
