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Rabies: A neglected disease

The Philippines’ government has set itself a target to eradicate the world’s most infectious disease by 2020.

Rabies
Rabies is a major problem in the Philippines where, every year, up to 300,000 people are treated for bites, mostly from dogs.
By Lifelines
Published On 2 Sep 2013
Rabies
In the Philippines, around 300 people - mostly children - die every year from the disease.
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Rabies
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 55,000 people across the world die of rabies every year.
Rabies
The world(***)s most infectious disease is 100 percent fatal - but also 100 percent preventable.
Rabies
The first course of rabies treatment is free in the Philippines and usually involves an injection directly into the bitten area. Bite clinics are extremely busy.
Rabies
Bibo was bitten by the neighbour(***)s dog that may be carrying the rabies virus.
Rabies
Bibo(***)s family had to borrow money from neighbours and relatives in order to afford three of the four courses of treatment required to ensure he did not get the disease that, if untreated, is fatal.
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Rabies
GARC (Global Alliance for Rabies Control) hopes to eliminate rabies in the Philippines by 2020.
Rabies
Maintaining at least 70 percent immunity to rabies in a community(***)s dog population is key to protecting the people in that community, according to GARC.
Rabies
Working together, the departments of health and agriculture and the GARC have already got rid of rabies on one island in the Philippines.
Lifelines Behind the Scenes Rabies Dr Betsy Miranda
Dr Betsy Miranda of the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC) and (***)Lifelines(***) director Brian Tilley propose a traditional toast to controlling, and eventually eliminating, rabies.