Rabies: Towards Eradication – SMMAMS Malaysia

Name of the activity: Rabies: Towards Eradication

Country/NMO: SMMAMS Malaysia

Program: Communicable Diseases

Contact information: contact [email protected] to get in touch with the Activity Coordinator

Type of the activity: First-time Activity

Category: Education

Focus area: Preventable Diseases

Sustainable Development Goals addressed: SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being)

Problem statement:

There is low awareness among pet owners who assume Malaysia is rabies-free. Although cases of rabies are rarely reported, it is highly possible for outbreaks to occur in the future. 

People should be educated to take the necessary precautions after being bitten or scratched by an animal to prevent death

Malaysia was declared free from rabies by the World Animal Health Organization in 2013. We believe that it is fully possible to eradicate rabies again with proper measures. 

Target groups:

• General population
• Medical students
• Healthcare Students
• Other Students
• Doctors
• Other health professionals

Beneficiaries:

• General population
• Medical students
• Healthcare Students
• Other Students
• Doctors
• Other health professionals

Objectives:

1. To raise awareness among 80% of targeted audience on the significance and dangers of rabies in strays and pets, and the consequences of its transmission by 10th July 2022
2. To educate the public (80% of viewers) on the necessary precautions after being bitten by animals by 10th July 2022
3. To educate the at least 80% of the audience on the risks, signs and symptoms, complications, treatment and management of rabies by 10th July 2022

Indicators of Success:

1. Instagram posts, IGTV (from SCOPH account)

– Accounts reached: 100 

– Content interactions: 50 

2. IG Live and IGTV (from SCOPH account)

– Views: 100

– Accounts reached: 100

– Content interactions: 50

3. Identifying the knowledge on rabies

– Instagram quiz – at least 80% correct response from quiz participants for a total of 5 questions on SCOPH Account.

Methodology:

Awareness Campaign (Instagram)

– Posters and infographics (two posts)

– IGTV: Talk by veterinary (three ~2min short videos) 

– IG Live

– Use of hashtag to increase the number of accounts reached

IG Quiz

– Pre- and post- event assessment (5 questions each)

– Quiz (5 questions)

Plans for evaluation:

IG Quiz of 5 questions on the 1st and final day of the event using the same questions for both days.The percentage of correct responses should rise to at least 90% which will be used as an indicator of success.

External collaborations:

1. We have invited Dr Antonia Ong En Ee (MD) to be a speaker for our IG live
2. We have invited Dr Ima from ServU Veterinary Clinic and Surgery to join us for our IGTVs