Vaccination stock photo (Official Gazette)
To further the goal of eliminating human rabies cases in the Philippines, The Department of Health (DOH) will provide a full course of anti-rabies vaccines in 480 Animal Bite Treatment Centers nationwide.
In 2015, a total of 432,458 animal bite cases were recorded by DOH with 226 reported deaths due to rabies.
Rabies usually occurs due to the bite or scratch of an infected animal. It is considered a neglected disease, since it is 100% fatal but also 100% preventable. In the Philippines, rabies is considered a significant public health problem because it is responsible for the death of at least 200 Filipinos annually.
“None of these deaths should have occurred since we have the necessary interventions to prevent rabies such as promotion of responsible pet ownership, early consultation when bitten by animals and timely administration of vaccines.” Health Secretary Janette P. Loreto-Garin said
As part of the rabies elimination campaign, a total of 33 provinces were declared “rabies-free” by DOH and Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Animal Industry.
“Kung ikaw ay nakagat ng alagang hayop o hindi, huwag nnatin itong ipagsawalang bahala. Magpakonsulta agad sa pinakamalapit na Animal Bite Treatment Center upang malapatan ng tamang lunas. Maging responsible tayo sa ating sariliu at sa ating alagang hayop.” Garin concluded.
– From the Department of Health
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