Sushil's story

Sushil, a veterinary student in Nepal, was excited when he found out about the World Rabies Day Webinar. He was determined to take part, which is just as well because it turned out to be quite an adventure.

“Here, in Nepal we students have very limited access to these sort of interactive platforms. So, once I found out about the rabies webinar from IVSA’s (International Veterinary Students Association) website, I made my mind to make the most of this opportunity.

Rabies in Nepal is hugely neglected. This webinar was an ideal way to present the situation and concerns we have to a global audience.

I wrote and submitted an abstract, making use of very limited literature available on animal rabies in Nepal, and was delighted when I heard that my abstract had been selected. Then I had to prepare the presentation slides.

Frequent, unscheduled power cuts, a poor Internet connection, lack of useful reference papers, and ongoing college examination made my task increasingly tiresome.

Because there is not a decent Internet connection at our institute, I arranged to make my presentation from my friend’s house, in the city area 15 km away, where a 3G connection was available. During the pre-scheduled connection testing time, there was strike in our district and all the transportation came to a halt. I had no other option than to walk to my friend’s house, until another a friend of mine arranged a motorbike and we reached city from inner, hidden road trails.

Finally, I got through connection testing with huge cooperation from Peter (World Rabies Day coordinator). When I was walking home, a kind man gave me a lift.

I was really motivated when I saw my name on the presenters list on the webinar's website. It took some effort to submit my presentation slide and I eagerly awaited the presentation day.

From the other presenters, I learned about various perspectives toward rabies and its control in different countries. It was just so perfect to be able to listen to and present to so many experts and interested people throughout the world.

Moreover, I got the chance to answer many queries clarifying present animal rabies situation in Nepal. 

This webinar is an excellent platform for eager students, like me, from a developing country, to participate in the global fight against rabies.”