The Stop Rabies Carnival 2026 will bring together students, families, pet owners, healthcare professionals, veterinarians, educators and local communities to raise awareness on rabies prevention and support Malaysia’s goal of achieving Zero Human Rabies Deaths by 2030.
The community engagement programme will be held at Dewan Delima, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Kota Samarahan, on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 8am to 2pm.
Organised by Boehringer Ingelheim Malaysia and the Malaysia One Health University Network (MyOHUN), the carnival adopts the One Health approach, highlighting the close connection between human, animal and environmental health.
The programme will feature a rabies hero ambassadors showcase, interactive exhibition booths, talks and educational activities.
A rabies talk will be presented by Dr Salehatul Khuzaimah Mohamad Alia and Dr Sarah Tay, while the Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) will conduct an educational talk at 11am.
The event will also include a special performance by OHMy-X, certificate presentations, a photography session, lunch, awards and a lucky draw.
The organisers said rabies remains a public health challenge in Sarawak despite being 100 per cent preventable.
Through continued community education and collaboration, the initiative seeks to equip the public with knowledge and practical actions to prevent rabies.
Partners supporting the programme include MyOHUN, SSPCA, UPM Sarawak, UNIMAS, UMK, JKNS, JPNS, Global Alliance for Rabies Control, MPKS, Boehringer Ingelheim Malaysia and Rhone Ma Malaysia, with support from the Ministry of Education, Government of Sarawak and Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak.
The carnival is open to the public.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to supervise children, practise good hygiene and follow instructions from organisers and volunteers.