Call for applications: empowering youth in the fight against rabies

Rabies is a deadly disease that still affects people in many parts of the world.
It spreads from animals to humans—most often through dog bites—and remains a serious public health issue, especially in areas where access to healthcare is limited, mainly in Asia and Africa. Every year, rabies causes around 59,000 deaths, and sadly, 40% of those who die are children under 15.

Community engagement plays a key role in rabies prevention—especially by involving young people in awareness and education efforts that promote safe behavior around animals and encourage prompt first aid and seeking medical care after an animal scratch or bite.

Nymat Nepal, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), announced the official opening of applications for the Youth Against Rabies campaign.

This initiative is designed to mobilize and empower young leaders across 18 countries to significantly contribute to the global "Zero by 30" goal to end human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030.

The campaign aims to empower young people to become active participants in rabies prevention and control efforts across South and South-East Asia.

The regional dialogue, a core part of the campaign, will bring together high-level experts from human and animal health sectors to engage with the community. It will also showcase advocacy content created by young champions across the region.

This is a flexible capacity building campaign that reinforces the importance of a multi-sectoral, "One Health" approach to rabies elimination. By joining, youth will help strengthen regional collaboration and make an on-the-ground impact. Everyone can contribute at their own pace and will be able to

• access vital capacity-building online courses,
• participate in a high-level virtual regional dialogue with leading global and regional experts,
• have the opportunity to join a diverse core team of youth champions, fostering cross-country collaboration, and
• earn a formal certificate of completion, recognizing their dedication and acquired skills.

Call for Applications 

We invite passionate students and young professionals committed to public health and animal welfare to register and become youth rabies champions. Your engagement is critical to building a sustainable, rabies-free future through a collaborative One Health approach.

To apply and learn more, please visit:  https://forms.gle/KJV634S2W3Rn8pnC8