About RIB 2025

Rabies 2025 Theme

Rabies-Free Borneo: Uniting People, Animals, and Communities

Building on its previous achievements, the fourth Rabies in Borneo (RIB 2025) conference will once again be the leading platform for advancing community rabies prevention and control across the region. This pivotal event, held right here in Kuching, will bring together a dynamic mix of global and local experts - including researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and community leaders for an engaging exchange of the latest knowledge and best practices.

This year’s theme, "Rabies-Free Borneo: Uniting People, Animals, and Communities," really highlights the vital interconnectedness needed to achieve lasting rabies elimination. It stresses a comprehensive approach that recognises how crucial human behaviour, animal health management (especially canine vaccination and population control), and strong community involvement are in education, surveillance, and responsible pet ownership.

The success of RIB 2025 owes a great deal to the fantastic support of its partners. We'd like to extend our sincere thanks to the Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Sarawak (MPHLG), the Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Sarawak (M-FICORD), Business Event Sarawak (BESarawak), the Sarawak Tourism Board, the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS), the Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS), the Sarawak State Health Department (JKNS), the Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA), and the Sarawak Veterinary Association (SVA). Their commitment and support are absolutely key to making this important conference happen.

With the strong backing of the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak, alongside all our valued partners, RIB 2025 aims to create a united front against this deadly disease. It will foster the sharing of knowledge, spark innovative solutions, and develop practical strategies, marking a significant step towards the Sarawak government's critical goal of a Rabies-Free Sarawak by 2030 and a healthier, safer future for everyone in Borneo.

WELCOMING MESSAGE

Organising Chairperson

WELCOMING MESSAGE

Organising Chairperson

A warm welcome to each of you to the 4th edition of the Rabies in Borneo. It is with immense pleasure that we gather once again, here in Kuching in 2025, to address the critical issue of rabies control and elimination on this beautiful island.

Over the past three editions, this conference has served as a vital platform for the exchange of knowledge, the fostering of collaborative efforts, and the advancement of practical solutions in our collective fight against rabies. We have witnessed significant strides in understanding the epidemiology, prevention, and management of this devastating disease. However, the challenge remains substantial, and our resolve must be unwavering.

My sincere gratitude extends to all our speakers for sharing their expertise, to our dedicated delegates for their active participation, and to the tireless organising committee members for their invaluable contributions in making this significant event a reality. Your collective efforts are the foundation of what makes this conference so impactful.

Crucially, our progress in combating rabies and the success of this conference are deeply indebted to the unwavering commitment and strong collaborative partnerships with the Sarawak Government, the Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Sarawak (MPHLG), the Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Sarawak (M-FICORD), Business Event Sarawak (BESarawak), the Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS), the Sarawak State Health Department (JKNS), the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS), the Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA), and numerous other dedicated agencies. Your collective dedication and hard work are vital to the success of this conference and, ultimately, to the eradication of rabies in Borneo.

We are particularly keen to emphasise the importance of One Health principles, recognising that the health of humans, animals, and the environment are inextricably linked. This holistic approach underscores the necessity of our unified efforts and shared responsibility in tackling complex health challenges like rabies, paving the way for more sustainable and effective solutions for Borneo.

This year's conference promises to build upon this momentum. We have assembled a distinguished panel of experts, researchers, and practitioners from across the globe to share their insights and experiences across a broad spectrum of topics, including the latest advancements in surveillance, vaccination strategies, public health education, and interdisciplinary approaches to rabies control.

Once again, a very warm welcome to Kuching! We anticipate a truly insightful and collaborative conference, and we also hope you'll enjoy the wonderful hospitality our city has to offer.

Thank you!

YBhg. Datu Dr. Adrian Susin Ambud

Director

Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak

WELCOMING MESSAGE

Conference Convenor

WELCOMING MESSAGE

Conference Convenor

Welcome to the 4th Rabies in Borneo (RIB 2025)! We are happy to have all of you here – experts, researchers, doctors, leaders, conference organisers (like ourselves!) and everyone who cares about stopping rabies in Borneo and other places.

This event is a chance to share what we know, our plans, and new ideas. Together, we are committed to getting rid of rabies in Borneo and beyond.

We are proud to work with the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) through our vocation as conference organisers to contribute to the elimination of rabies in Borneo. They are a strong partner and a key player in fighting rabies here. Working together with DVSS, the government, health groups, charities, and international partners has helped us watch for rabies, give more dogs their shots, teach people about rabies, and act quickly when it shows up.

The conference is where we convene and ideas converge resulting in a more unified approach to this one health challenge.

But it is more than just a conference – it represents a collective movement. We believe that rabies is 100% preventable, and through collaborative effort, it can also be 100% eliminated. Your presence here today – whether you are sharing your expertise, forging partnerships, or participating as a delegate – is crucial to our progress.

I would like to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our invaluable partners, dedicated supporting bodies, esteemed agencies and ministries, engaged participants, and every single individual whose contributions have been instrumental in the resounding success of the RIB conferences and have fuelled impactful initiatives in our ongoing battle against rabies in Borneo. Your unwavering hard work and steadfast support are deeply appreciated and essential in our collective pursuit of a Borneo free from this devastating disease.

Let us continue to work together, united by our shared goal, and take decisive action.

Welcome to RIB 2025