Reaching zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030

Rabies is a serious public health problem in more than 150 countries, mainly in Asia and Africa. It is a viral, neglected tropical disease that causes tens of thousands of deaths each year. Children aged between 5 and 14 account for almost half of all fatalities. Domestic dog bites and scratches still remain the most common source of rabies infection in humans. Rabies cannot be treated or cured, and is fatal, but very effective vaccines exist and the virus can be prevented from reaching the central nervous system by prompt rabies post exposure care including thorough wound washing, administration of rabies post exposure prophylactic vaccine and, when indicated, immunoglobulins. Pre-exposure prophylaxis is also an option for high risk individuals/ populations. WHO updated its position on rabies immunization in 2018. Many countries may consider aligning with WHO’s recommendations. In addition, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, will announce the opportunity for countries to draw on vaccines for humans in June 2024. This is could be an trigger for countries to review their human rabies immunization policies.