Boehringer
Ingelheim (Philippines) Inc. launches the ‘Stop Rabies’ program in Puerto
Galera, Mindoro, to mark World Rabies Day. This initiative aims to drive
efforts towards achieving a rabies-free Philippines.
Now in its
third year, the ‘Stop Rabies’ program dedicates a week to advancing rabies
education, conducting animal rabies mass vaccinations, and neutering programs
for both cats and dogs.
Dr. Anna
Esmeralda J. Nagera, Head of Companion Animal Business at Boehringer Ingelheim
Animal Health Philippines, Inc. highlights, “Through the ‘Stop Rabies’ program, we are making
meaningful progress towards reducing rabies in Puerto Galera by vaccinating and
neutering animals, and also empowering communities with the knowledge they need
to protect themselves and their pets.”
Rabies
remains a critical public health issue, causing 59,000 deaths annually across
150 countries. This neglected tropical disease
primarily affects marginalized, poor and rural populations with 40 percent of
victims being children in Africa and Asia including the Philippines.
The spread
of rabies has been escalating in the Philippines since 2023, with 169 recent
human rabies cases leading to 160 deaths and a fatality rate of 94.67 percent.
Of these cases, 156 were associated with dog bites, 10 with cat bites, and 3
from other animals.
Dr.
Alfredo Manglicmot, Provincial Veterinary Office-Oriental Mindoro added, “Rabies poses a serious
threat in our region and protecting the community remains our top priority. In
collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim, we are strengthening our efforts in
vaccination, education, and castration to ensure the safety of both animals and
people in Puerto Galera.”
The ‘Stop
Rabies’ program prioritizes animal vaccination as the most effective strategy
in preventing rabies, enhancing both animal and human health. The initiative aims
to vaccinate approximately 5,000 animals in 13 barangays in Puerto Galera
including Aninuan, San Isidro, and Balatero.
The program
also neuters dogs and cats in collaboration with Philippine Animal Hospital
Association, Inc. (PAHA), MiMaRoPa Surgeons, and Marinduque Field Hospital.
Key
partners also include Global Alliance for Rabies Control, Field Epidemiology
Training Program Alumni Foundation, Inc., Research Institute for Tropical
Medicine, Philippine Veterinary Medical Association, Bureau of Animal Industry,
MIMAROPA Regional Office, Puerto Galera LGU, and the Provincial Veterinary
Office-Oriental Mindoro.
The mass
vaccination and sterilization efforts are supported by rabies education
sessions on rabies prevention and responsible pet ownership to school children
in Palangan, Poblacion, Tabinay, and Dulangan.
Chari
Amparo, Spokesperson, Global Alliance for Rabies Control, highlighted the importance of the
collaboration: “Eliminating rabies is not just a goal; it’s a necessity for
global health. By prioritizing education, improving vaccination efforts, and
strengthening surveillance, we can empower communities to safeguard their
health and work towards a world where rabies is no longer a threat to human or
animal life.”
Rabies is
entirely preventable with proper vaccination, education, and surveillance
programs, improving animal health together with human health. These rabies
elimination efforts help control the spread of rabies, save lives, and
ultimately contribute to a world where humans and dogs live together in greater
harmony.
The ‘Stop
Rabies’ program represents a significant step towards a rabies-free future,
integrating community engagement, educational outreach, and essential medical
interventions. With 30 years of experience in rabies prevention and management,
Boehringer Ingelheim is committed to achieving zero rabies casualties by 2030
through sustained and collaborative community efforts.
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