Gavi, in partnership with WHO, commits to supporting human rabies vaccines for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to combat the high number of rabies deaths in Africa and Asia.
The initiative aligns with the Zero by 30 campaign, aiming to eliminate dog-mediated human rabies by 2030.
Dr. Jérôme Saluomon, Assistant Director-General for Universal Health Coverage, Communicable and Noncommunicable Diseases at WHO, emphasised the importance of Gavi’s commitment, stating it will aid in funding applications and developing action plans to achieve the Zero by 30 goal.
He highlighted the limited availability of human rabies vaccines in marginalised communities, leading to financial burdens on families seeking private facilities for vaccination.
Aurélia Nguyen, Gavi’s Chief Programme Officer, stressed the program’s goal of ensuring access to human rabies vaccines for all, especially in vulnerable communities.
Rabies, a viral disease transmitted mainly by rabid dogs, is nearly 100% fatal once symptoms appear. Prompt PEP can prevent infection.
Gavi’s decision to include human rabies vaccines in its 2021-25 strategy was postponed due to the pandemic but has now been reinstated, according to a publication made public on the WHO’s website on Thursday.
Professor Lucille Blumberg, Chair of United Against Rabies, emphasised the importance of Gavi’s investment in combating rabies deaths while calling for improved data, dog vaccinations, and public education.
Gavi-eligible countries can apply for funding to procure human rabies vaccines for PEP, with applications accepted until mid-July 2024. Subsequent funding windows will open three times a year, encouraging countries to invest in preventing rabies infections and saving lives.
