About World Rabies Day
World Rabies Day is the first and only global day of action and awareness for rabies prevention. It is an opportunity to unite as a community - helping individuals, NGOs and governments to connect and share their work.
Key facts
- Rabies is a vaccine-preventable viral disease which occurs in more than 150 countries and territories.
- Dogs are the main source of human rabies deaths, contributing up to 99% of all rabies transmissions to humans.
- Interrupting transmission is feasible through vaccination of dogs and prevention of dog bites.
- Infection causes tens of thousands of deaths every year, mainly in Asia and Africa.
- Globally rabies causes an estimated cost of US$ 8.6 billion per year.
- 40% of people bitten by suspect rabid animals are children under 15 years of age.
- Immediate, thorough wound washing with soap and water after contact with a suspect rabid animal is crucial and can save lives.
- Engagement of multiple sectors and One Health collaboration including community education, awareness programmes and vaccination campaigns are critical.
- WHO leads the collective “United Against Rabies” to drive progress towards "Zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030".
Similar Observances
World Day for Safety and Health at Work
Almost 3 million workers die each year from occupational accidents and work related diseases.
Read More
Read More
World No-Tobacco Day
The WHO Tobacco Free Initiative is committed to raising awareness of the threat posed by the global tobacco epidemic and of the steps that can be taken to reduce tobacco use and save lives.
Read More
Read More
Other Observances on September 28th 2025
European Heritage Day
A day to celebrate Austria's role at the centre of Europe and the importance of its heritage.
Read More
Read More
World Rivers Day
The fourth Sunday in September is a chance to celebrate the world's waterway that bring life to our countries.
Read More
Read More
