Boehringer Ingelheim (Philippines) Inc. launches the ‘Stop Rabies’ program in Puerto Galera, Mindoro, to mark World Rabies Day. This initiative aims to drive efforts towards achieving a rabies-free Philippines.
Now in its third year, the ‘Stop Rabies’ program dedicates a week to advancing rabies education, conducting animal rabies mass vaccinations, and neutering programs for both cats and dogs.
Dr. Anna Esmeralda J. Nagera, Head of Companion Animal Business at Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Philippines, Inc. highlights, “Through the ‘Stop Rabies’ program, we are making meaningful progress towards reducing rabies in Puerto Galera by vaccinating and neutering animals, and also empowering communities with the knowledge they need to protect themselves and their pets.”
Rabies remains a critical public health issue, causing 59,000 deaths annually across 150 countries.[1] This neglected tropical disease primarily affects marginalized, poor and rural populations with 40 percent of victims being children in Africa and Asia[2] including the Philippines.
The spread of rabies has been escalating in the Philippines since 2023, with 169 recent human rabies cases leading to 160 deaths and a fatality rate of 94.67 percent. Of these cases, 156 were associated with dog bites, 10 with cat bites, and 3 from other animals.[3]
Dr. Alfredo Manglicmot, Provincial Veterinary Office-Oriental Mindoro added, “Rabies poses a serious threat in our region and protecting the community remains our top priority. In collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim, we are strengthening our efforts in vaccination, education, and castration to ensure the safety of both animals and people in Puerto Galera.”
The ‘Stop Rabies’ program prioritizes animal vaccination as the most effective strategy in preventing rabies, enhancing both animal and human health. The initiative aims to vaccinate approximately 5,000 animals in 13 barangays in Puerto Galera including Aninuan, San Isidro, and Balatero.
The program also neuters dogs and cats in collaboration with Philippine Animal Hospital Association, Inc. (PAHA), MiMaRoPa Surgeons, and Marinduque Field Hospital.
Key partners also include Global Alliance for Rabies Control, Field Epidemiology Training Program Alumni Foundation, Inc., Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Philippine Veterinary Medical Association, Bureau of Animal Industry, MIMAROPA Regional Office, Puerto Galera LGU, and the Provincial Veterinary Office-Oriental Mindoro.
The mass vaccination and sterilization efforts are supported by rabies education sessions on rabies prevention and responsible pet ownership to school children in Palangan, Poblacion, Tabinay, and Dulangan.
Chari Amparo, Spokesperson, Global Alliance for Rabies Control, highlighted the importance of the collaboration: “Eliminating rabies is not just a goal; it’s a necessity for global health. By prioritizing education, improving vaccination efforts, and strengthening surveillance, we can empower communities to safeguard their health and work towards a world where rabies is no longer a threat to human or animal life.”
Rabies is entirely preventable with proper vaccination, education, and surveillance programs, improving animal health together with human health. These rabies elimination efforts help control the spread of rabies, save lives, and ultimately contribute to a world where humans and dogs live together in greater harmony.
The ‘Stop Rabies’ program represents a significant step towards a rabies-free future, integrating community engagement, educational outreach, and essential medical interventions. With 30 years of experience in rabies prevention and management, Boehringer Ingelheim is committed to achieving zero rabies casualties by 2030 through sustained and collaborative community efforts.
[1] World Health Organization (WHO). Rabies Fact Sheet. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/rabies. Accessed September 20, 2024.
[2] World Health Organization (WHO). Zero by 30: the global strategic plan to end human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241513838.Accessed September 20, 2024.
[3] Philippine News Agency. Rabies cases from Jan – May 13% higher this year. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1226293.
Accessed September 13, 2024.
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