Women facing disability are one of a number of groups experiencing a double impact when it comes to zoonotic diseases. One serious threat to the health of people with disability is rabies‒particularly due to their difficulties in identifying or avoiding dog bites. This understanding was conveyed by Ni Ketut Leni Astiti, the Chairwoman of the Association of Indonesian Women with Disability (Himpunan Wanita Disabilitas Indonesia: HWDI) in Bali Province, during health examinations and rabies awareness activities in commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December.

Ni Ketut Leni Astiti, who had a personal experience of being bitten by a dog in 2020, realised the importance of rabies prevention for people with disability. Using a cane to walk, she found it challenging to run or evade dogs when faced with the risk of being bitten‒especially on her calf. After cleaning the wound and consulting with healthcare services, Leni had to undergo rabies vaccination four times over a month. This experience made her aware that mobility for people with disability in obtaining complete vaccinations could be a challenge‒especially for those living far from healthcare centres.

With this understanding, Leni, through HWDI, supports the socialisation of rabies prevention for people with disability through her organisation. HWDI has collaborated with the Social Services and Agriculture, Food, and Fisheries Agencies, and the Australia Indonesia Health Security Partnership (AIHSP) to conduct rabies awareness activities in several districts of Bali Province‒such as Jembrana, Bangli, Denpasar City, and Karangasem.

In addition to organising free health check-up events, HWDI regularly provides free healthcare services to its members and people with disability in general. They also offer information on women's health, including reproductive health, to ensure their personal well-being. On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Leni hopes that people with disability can easily access health information, undergo early health check-ups, and that women with disability receive support to actively participate in community activities.