Although rivers and rabies may not seem related, there is a common thread that ties them together this month.
On Sunday, Sept. 28, the international community observes two significant events – World Rabies Day and World Rivers Day.
World Rabies Day, is observed on the death anniversary of Louis Pasteur, who successfully developed the first rabies vaccine in 1885.
The World Health Organization said the day aims “to raise global awareness about rabies prevention, highlight progress in its elimination, and advocate for increased collaboration to end the disease, which is 100% preventable but still kills tens of thousands annually.”
The theme of World Rabies Day this year is: “Act now: You, Me, Community.” The theme is a “call for all to take responsibility, work together, and drive real change.”
The theme resonates well in our country, which has a dog population of about 4.5 million. The number contributes largely to the cycle of rabies transmission, particularly among unvaccinated pets, including cats and livestock which get exposed to rabid dogs.
Experts have expressed concerns over people’s limited access to OEP, or post-exposure prophylaxis, which includes anti-rabies vaccines and immunoglobin, a medication made up of antibodies against the rabies virus.
WHO has reported that every nine minutes, rabies claims another victim, but, it added, death is 100% preventable, with all sectors doing their share to eliminate the disease for good.
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World Rivers Day, on the other hand, celebrates the many values of rivers and other waterways, and aims to heighten public awareness, as well as promotes better and stronger stewardship of these water systems across continents.
The observance is of great significance in the country, which has more than 420 river basins, 18 of which are major waterways, each with a drainage area of more than 1,400 sq.km.
At least nine of these river basins are found in Negros Occidental. These are Danao River, which empties into Tañon Strait at Escalante City, Malogo (also known as Silay River) which runs down to Guimaras Strait;
Bago River, Hilabangan River, the longest on Negros Island which drains from the southeast portion of Mt. Kanlaon down Kabankakan City and Ilog and finally to the Panay Gulf;
Binalbagan River, Himogaan, which empties into the cities of Sagay and Cadiz, Sipalay River and Aguisan, which is part of a drainage complex that includes Talaban and Suay, all located in Himamaylan City.
My hometown has five major rivers – Guiljungan, Poblacion, Isio, Inayauan and Caliling, which usually overflows and inundates major portions of the Barangay during heavy rain.
The WRD website has underscored that “rivers in virtually every country face an array of threats, and only through our active involvement can we ensure their health in the years ahead.”
The first World Rivers Day took place in 2005 which was inspired by the British Columbia Rivers Day, which Mark Angelo had founded and led in western Canada since 1980.
That first event in 2005 was a great than 100 countries observing it.
With the typhoon season in our midst, the greater is the need for us to be more aware of the vital importance of rivers and other waterways “further promote better stewardship and conservation efforts to ensure their health for the future.”
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Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’ (John 7:37-39) | NWI
