Children are at a greater risk of rabies, often unaware of the disease and how their love for animals can bring greater perils. Children are more likely to be bitten by dogs and exposed to rabies. To protect children, Myanmar teachers are raising awareness in elementary schools.
Rabies is endemic in Myanmar and poses a serious threat to human health. While the dog population is estimated at around 7 million, with a large number of free-roaming dogs, the current vaccination rate of around 20.25% does not allow for obtaining herd immunity, making prevention measures even more essential.
Myanmar has ranked rabies as one of its top five priority zoonotic diseases. Therefore, the Livestock, Breeding and Veterinary Department (LBVD), the Burmese Veterinary Services, has developed the National Action Plan for Rabies Elimination in Dogs (NPRED) for the period covering 2018-2030. The action plan has been established in cooperation with One Health partners, including the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). The NPRED has identified key actions, which include a sociocultural component to focus on enhancing rabies awareness and promoting behavioural change towards responsible pet ownership. The target audience includes monks, school children, private clinics, dog owners, and animal lovers.
During the implementation phases, teachers are key persons not only in academics but also role models in shaping personality traits and impacting children’s behaviours outside schools. Besides, the children can also play a great role within their families and other communities in disseminating crucial information about rabies.
LBVD has developed education and communication materials for the teaching staff to raise awareness. During each World Rabies Day on 28 September, teachers are on the frontline to raise awareness. In the 2022 edition, 2,000 children in Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory and Mon State (including Paung Township) were informed of the danger of rabies through pamphlets, flyers, and posters. LBVD also encourages the implementation of interactive activities to engage children. Teachers organize quiz competitions, and “Rabies champions” are nominated among participants. Teaching by having fun is an approach to ensure the participation of children. For the 2023 edition, LBVD run activities within seven states.
In total, around 10,000 children aged from 8 to 16 years old have been informed since the launch of NPRED. Awareness campaigns are not only conducted during World Rabies Day, but also following the report of suspected dog bite cases.
Raising awareness in Burmese schools meets significant challenges and This number will increase by implementing activities within additional areas. Myanmar is a mountainous country of 678,500 km2 divided by three river systems with a dispersed, predominantly rural population composed of ethnic groups that speak over 100 languages and many schools are located in isolated areas with limited resources.
This initiative has proven to be effective not only for children but also among teachers. A study conducted in Mandalay indicates an increase in knowledge thanks to educational and communication materials. This highlights the need for continuing education around preventive measures of rabies for both primary school teachers and primary school students.
