In a move aimed at reducing the burden of rabies, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has announced plans to increase access to human rabies vaccines in over 50 countries. The organization, in collaboration with its partners, will provide support for human rabies vaccines as part of routine immunization. The announcement comes as a welcome relief, especially in Africa and Asia, where 95% of human rabies deaths occur, mainly in marginalized communities with limited access to healthcare.
The decision is in line with the Zero by 30 campaign, a global initiative led by United Against Rabies partners, including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). The campaign aims to eliminate dog-mediated human rabies by 2030.
According to Dr. Jérôme Salomon, Assistant Director-General for Universal Health Coverage, Communicable and Noncommunicable Diseases at WHO, the support from Gavi is crucial in the fight against rabies. He noted that WHO will provide technical assistance to countries to support their funding applications and develop comprehensive plans to achieve the Zero by 30 goal.
Rabies is a deadly viral disease that causes severe inflammation of the brain and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. However, prompt post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) can prevent the disease. Despite its deadly nature, rabies remains a neglected disease, with marginalized communities bearing the brunt of the burden.
Gavi’s investment in human rabies vaccines is expected to contribute significantly to the global effort to eliminate the disease. The organization’s aim is to ensure that human rabies vaccines are available to all who need them, particularly in vulnerable and marginalized communities.
The announcement is a welcome development in the fight against rabies. According to Professor Lucille Blumberg, Chair of United Against Rabies, stopping human rabies deaths is within reach, but it will require multiple sectors working together.
Eligible countries can apply for support to invest in human rabies vaccines for PEP, with funding available for vaccine procurement and associated supplies. The first round of applications will be accepted by mid-July 2024.
WHO/ Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
