RRI.CO.ID, Pekanbaru - The Riau Provincial Administration is targeting to administer 22,000 doses of rabies vaccine throughout 2026. On the first day of the Rabies Vaccination Month, the number of animals vaccinated is estimated to have exceeded the initial target of 1,550 and reached more than 2,500.

The activities began with the Kickoff for Riau Province’s Rabies Vaccination Month 2026. The event was held at the Provincial Veterinary Laboratory and Animal Clinic Technical Implementation Unit (UPT LVKH) on Jalan Hangtuah Ujung, Pekanbaru, on Thursday, 2 July 2026.

Vaccination was carried out simultaneously by 11 regencies and cities in Riau via a virtual network. Acting Governor of Riau, SF Hariyanto, opened the event and praised the collaboration of all parties supporting the program.

“Thank God, today we can gather to kick off Riau Province’s Rabies Vaccination Month. It is remarkable that this effort is being carried out simultaneously across regencies and cities,” said SF Hariyanto, as quoted by infopublik.id.

He said rabies vaccination is an important step to prevent the spread of a disease that threatens both human and animal safety. Therefore, public participation in bringing pets for vaccination is a key factor in the program’s success.

“Through this crucial initiative, I hope Riau Province becomes safer and healthier, and that both residents and their pets are protected from the dangers of rabies,” he added.

SF Hariyanto expressed hope that the vaccination campaign will deliver concrete benefits to the community, protect pets, safeguard the environment, and contribute to a rabies-safer Riau.

Meanwhile, Head of the Riau Provincial Livestock and Animal Health Agency, Mimi Yuliani, said the target of 22,000 rabies vaccine doses for 2026 has been set. The target forms part of the regional government’s commitment to expand protection coverage for animals that can transmit rabies.

“Through today’s momentum, the Livestock and Animal Health Agency of Riau Province targets a total of 22,000 rabies vaccinations throughout 2026. As a concrete step, today we held a simultaneous kickoff in 11 regencies/cities across 25 implementation points,” said Mimi.

She added that, based on virtual coordination with regional teams, the first-day vaccination realization is expected to surpass the target.

“From our virtual coordination with colleagues in the regions, the results are extraordinary. Today’s initial target was 1,550 animals, but field realization is estimated to exceed 2,500,” she said.

Mimi noted the vaccination drive is supported by 200 veterinary health workers and veterinarians who provide direct services to the public in various areas.

“Even more remarkable, today’s movement is fully supported by 200 veterinary health workers and veterinarians,” she said.

The Rabies Vaccination Month will run intensively for three months, from July to September 2026. Afterward, rabies vaccination services will continue regularly at local animal health centers and through other vaccination activities.

“We must emphasize that this activity does not stop today or remain merely ceremonial. The movement will run intensively for three months, from July to September 2026, and thereafter vaccination services will continue regularly at Animal Health Centers in each area as well as through various other vaccination activities,” she concluded. ***