On the occasion of World Rabies Day, a scientific conference centered around the global slogan “Rabies: One Health, Zero Deaths” was held on October 6 (September 28). The event took place in the Shahid Rajai Conference Hall of the Heart Hotel in Tehran, featuring prominent scientific and executive figures related to this disease. This event was initiated and hosted by Dr. Omid Moradi, the head of the Central Veterinary Hospital of Tehran, and was actively supported by domestic and international organizations.
Broad Participation of Key Health and Veterinary Institutions
Representatives from the Veterinary Organization of Tehran Province, the National Veterinary Organization, the Ministry of Health, the Pasteur Institute of Iran, professors from medical and veterinary universities, as well as public health and veterinary professionals attended this conference. The meeting aimed to review the current status of rabies in Iran and worldwide, raise public awareness, and propose solutions for the complete elimination of the disease by 2030.
Scientific Contributions from International Figures
Among the important international figures present at this program was Professor Louis Nel, a professor at the University of Pretoria, South Africa, and the head of the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC). In his speech, he addressed global experiences in rabies control and the crucial role of collaboration between human, veterinary, and environmental domains within the framework of the “One Health” approach.
A Scientific Perspective on the Rabies Situation in Iran
Additionally, Dr. Roozbeh Bashar, the head of the Rabies Research and Reference Center of the World Health Organization (WHO) at the Pasteur Institute of Iran, highlighted the importance of strengthening animal vaccination, properly managing stray animals, and public education by presenting new scientific data on the incidence and control of the disease in the country.
Specialized Panels of the Conference
This conference was conducted in the form of four specialized panels that addressed the following topics:
Facts and Myths Related to Rabies
Rabies and Dog Management
One Health, Zero Mortality
Strategies for Eliminating Rabies in Iran by 2030
Each panel involved experts, general directors, researchers, and field activists discussing the scientific and practical challenges and solutions facing the country in rabies control.
Conclusion: Cooperation is Key to Eliminating Rabies by 2030
A key takeaway from this event was the emphasis on the necessity of inter-organizational cooperation, particularly among the Ministry of Health, the Veterinary Organization, municipalities, and international bodies. The need for developing a comprehensive national program for the elimination of rabies and updating guidelines with a scientific approach was also highlighted.
The World Rabies Day conference in Tehran was a successful example of national and international convergence towards achieving global health goals. The main message of this meeting was that eradicating rabies in the country is achievable by 2030 through joint efforts and continuous scientific and executive policy-making.
