Hanoi Students Champion Rabies Prevention and Phased Transition from Dog and Cat Meat Trade
On December 12th, a significant event was held in Hanoi, bringing together Thanh Nien Magazine, the Soi Dog Foundation, and SBCC Vietnam to spearhead initiatives in rabies prevention and the gradual phasing out of the dog and cat meat trade. This collaborative effort aimed to foster greater community awareness regarding rabies, zoonotic diseases, and the critical link between the consumption of dog and cat meat and the transmission of these dangerous illnesses. Crucially, the event provided a platform for students to actively contribute to national public health goals.
The initiative is designed to achieve several key objectives:
* Empowering Student Ambassadors: To train students to become influential advocates and educators within their communities, equipped with the knowledge and skills to promote rabies prevention.
* Achieving National Rabies Elimination: To contribute directly to Vietnam’s ambitious target of eradicating human deaths from rabies by 2030.
* Enhancing Hanoi’s Global Standing: To support Hanoi’s development as a civilised, internationally integrated city that is a safe and welcoming tourist destination, demonstrating a commitment to animal welfare.
* Fostering International Exchange: To create valuable opportunities for Vietnamese students to connect with and learn from international experts in animal welfare and public health.
The Dog and Cat Meat Trade: A Multifaceted Threat to Public Health
Rabies continues to be a grave concern in Vietnam, with an estimated 75 to 100 human fatalities occurring annually. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the threat posed by zoonotic diseases has become even more pronounced, highlighting the urgent need for proactive public health measures. The trade, transportation, and slaughter of dogs and cats present a significant risk, not only for rabies transmission but also for a host of other dangerous infectious diseases. These include parasitic infections, as well as bacterial pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella, and Campylobacter.
Furthermore, the sourcing of dog meat, often from animals fed with food scraps and waste, raises serious concerns about potential contamination. Such meat can harbour residues of medications, including steroids and antibiotics, as well as heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, and cadmium. These contaminants pose considerable health hazards to consumers. The direct contact with dogs and cats, or the consumption of their meat, also significantly increases the risk of parasitic infections. Data from the Infectious Disease Control Department of the Hanoi Centre for Disease Control reveals that approximately 20,000 cases of toxocara (dog and cat roundworm) larvae infection are detected and treated in Vietnam each year.
Health experts at the event provided a stark analysis of the disease transmission pathways inherent in the dog and cat meat trade. They meticulously outlined the chain of risk, from the initial transportation and slaughter of animals through to processing and eventual consumption. Each step in this chain presents a high risk of exposure, not only for those directly involved in the trade but also for the wider community, impacting public health on a broader scale.
Rahul Sehgal, International Communications Director for the Soi Dog Foundation, emphasised the critical role students can play in disseminating vital information about the link between the dog and cat meat trade and the associated disease risks. He stated, “Based on successful experiences in Thailand and other countries in the region, we believe that when equipped with adequate knowledge and effective communication methods, students become a pioneering force driving change. The active participation of young people is key to achieving the goal of zero human deaths from rabies by 2030 and building a safer, more civilised Hanoi.”
Students as Catalysts for a Safer, More Civilised Hanoi
The core of the programme was dedicated to equipping students with comprehensive knowledge in public health and the principles of community behaviour change communication. Participants received targeted guidance on how to effectively function as project ambassadors. This included training in advocacy techniques for community outreach and social media engagement, as well as developing skills to create compelling and persuasive educational content.
Bui Thi Duyen, Director of SBCC Vietnam, highlighted the nuanced approach required for behaviour change. She explained that it extends beyond simply imparting information, encompassing the art of fostering understanding, empathy, and ultimately, action. She noted the unique advantages students possess as young ambassadors, serving as trusted conduits capable of actively listening and conveying scientific messages in language that is accessible and easily understood by the public.
“We believe that when equipped with proper behaviour change communication methods, each student can spread knowledge and inspire and motivate people to voluntarily change,” Duyen remarked. “This is the key to building a safe and civilised Hanoi, sustainable change stems from the awareness and trust of the community itself.”
The event also provided a valuable platform for students who had previously achieved success in related competitions to share their practical experiences. They recounted their journeys in disseminating the project’s message within their peer networks, youth union and association groups, and local communities. These sharing sessions also included candid discussions about the valuable lessons learned during the implementation of communication campaigns at university campuses. These real-world success stories served as a powerful source of inspiration and motivation for the new cohort of aspiring ambassadors.
As the programme drew to a close, students were assigned concrete tasks and provided with clear action plans. These included organising community discussions, developing engaging content for social media platforms, and establishing ambassador networks within their respective schools and local areas.
This event signifies a crucial advancement in mobilising the energy and influence of young people to combat disease and foster sustainable socioeconomic development. The organising bodies hold a strong expectation that these student ambassadors will emerge as role models, instilling trust and championing positive societal change within their communities, thereby contributing significantly to the creation of a safer, more civilised, and compassionate Hanoi.
