Moving towards a rabies-free Southeast Asia

Rabies, a preventable yet deadly disease, continues to pose a significant threat to millions of people in Southeast Asia. Boehringer Ingelheim, in collaboration with Eco-Business, has published a comprehensive white paper that aims to promote awareness about rabies elimination and support the regional project team's STOP Rabies efforts.

The spread of rabies has been escalating in Southeast Asia since 2020, even reaching areas where cases have not previously been recorded. Factors contributing to this increase include large free-roaming unvaccinated dog population, resource diversion due to COVID-19 and competing diseases, difficulty in accessing vaccines and medical treatment, and sociocultural influences on rabies perception.

Recommendations to prevent rabies

To strengthen awareness on the impact of rabies towards developing communities in Southeast Asia region, Boehringer Ingelheim has engaged Eco-Business, an independent media and business intelligence company dedicated to sustainable development and ESG performance, to develop a white paper. “Moving towards a rabies-free Southeast Asia” delves into the challenges and recommendations for rabies elimination in the target markets of Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia, highlighting the importance of contributing to the Zero by 30 global goal, which aims for zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030.

Sustainable health solutions are needed

Emphasizing the need of a united effort to eliminate rabies and protect both human and animal health, the white paper serves as a valuable guide for governments, organizations, and communities in Southeast Asia. To combat these challenges, it suggests solutions such as regional cooperation and localized holistic implementation of mass dog vaccination, surveillance, and education programs. Success stories in the SEA region have showcased tailored solutions that are fully sustainable, partnership-driven and community-led is possible – it is now time to expand such stories into reality for more communities.

More information about rabies

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system, causing acute encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). It is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, usually via bites or scratches. Rabies is a health risk to humans because it is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. Early treatment is crucial to prevent death.

Rabies is prevalent in many parts of the world, particularly in Asia and Africa. Countries with the highest number of reported cases include India, China, the Philippines, and several African nations. However, rabies can be found in over 150 countries, often affecting underserved communities in rural areas with limited access to prompt post-exposure treatment.

To prevent rabies effectively, it's important to vaccinate pets and domestic animals, as they can often serve as a bridge between wildlife rabies reservoirs and humans. Avoiding contact with wild animals or unfamiliar pets can also reduce the risk of exposure. Public education about rabies and its prevention is crucial, particularly in high-risk areas.

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