Vietnam joins global efforts to achieve zero rabies deaths by 2030

The agriculture and health ministries held a meeting on September 28 in the southern province of Ben Tre, in response to World Rabies Day, aiming to eliminate human rabies deaths by 2030.

Wednesday, September 28, 2022 15:17

FAO and Duc Minh Company donate rabies vaccine to Ben Tre Province.

According to Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien, Vietnam recorded 1,066 rabies deaths from 2010 to September 2022, equivalent to an annual average of 82 deaths.

Every year, about 500,000 people bitten by dogs in Vietnam have to undergo preventive treatment, causing damage of 700 billion VND (29.5 million USD).

Globally, almost 60,000 people are killed by rabies each year, while nearly 30 million are exposed to the disease, which is present in over 150 countries.

Rabies is entirely preventable with the joint efforts of the community, especially dog owners, starting with effectively managing their dogs and raising the vaccination rate to over 80%, and providing early treatment to people bitten by dogs.

At the meeting, representatives of the relevant agencies signed a commitment to work together to prevent rabies.

On the occasion, the Food and Agriculture Organisation donated 10,000 doses of rabies vaccines to Ben Tre Province, while Duc Minh Medical Company donated 3,000 doses to provide free vaccination for dogs and cats throughout the province.