Kuching to Host Inaugural Rabies in Asia Conference to Boost Regional One Health Collaboration

Kuching, Sarawak, is set to host the inaugural Rabies in Asia (RIA) conference from September 29 to October 1 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching. Organized by Place Borneo Sdn Bhd and the Sarawak Department of Veterinary Services, the event aims to strengthen cross-border collaboration for rabies elimination through a One Health approach. The conference expands the existing Rabies in Borneo platform to a broader regional level, reflecting the growing importance of Asian cooperation in public health. It will gather experts, policymakers, veterinarians, and NGO leaders to discuss challenges and solutions in rabies prevention. Key sessions include presentations on prevention gaps in Cambodia and the roadmap to zero rabies by 2030. The event also highlights Sarawak’s Oral Rabies Vaccine programme for free-roaming dogs. State Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom emphasized that rabies deaths are preventable with immediate medical treatment. Registration is currently open with varying fees for early bird, standard, and student attendees. This initiative underscores Sarawak’s commitment to achieving a rabies-free status by 2030 through enhanced regional partnerships and community-based prevention strategies.