This month is the first time human and animal health sectors have combined in an attempt to tackle this dreadful disease. The aim of World Health Organization, World Organization for Animal Health and others is to eliminate rabies by 2030.


Rabies is preventable by vaccination - even after being bitten by a rabid animal. But as we know, without vaccination it’s fatal. Up to 70,000 - 300 in the Philippines - still die from it every year.


99% of human infections are from dog bites. Mass vaccination of dogs - at least 70% of them - plus management of stray dogs and responsible dog ownership, is the best way to control the disease. The cost of dog vaccines is far less than for humans. It’s vital to make human vaccines ( and immunglobulin ) affordable and accessible.


The medical journal " Lancet " highlights progress in the Philippines ( also Tanzania, South Africa and Bangladesh ) to show that elimination of rabies IS possible and affordable. Another New Year resolution - the time to act is now .


http://www.thelancet.com/journals/la...lltext?rss=yes