Rabies Awareness Month in the Philippines

Around 168 people die every year from rabies in the Philippines but the Government is serious about getting that number down to zero. March was Rabies Awareness Month in the Philippines and was marked with a number of initiatives across the country. Canine rabies is estimated to cost the Philippines economy $43m a year but a small investment in awareness-raising and dog vaccinations can make all the difference. In recognition of understanding the importance of tackling dog-transmitted rabies, the national government worked with provincial administrations to promote rabies prevention measures.

Payment of laboratory fees for animal rabies diagnoses at the Philippine Animal Health Center of the Bureau of Animal Industry (DA-BAI) was waived to encourage people living in rural communities to come forward to get the vaccinations that will protect their dogs and their families. 

The local activities have focused around project sites in Ilocos Norte and Sorsogon with a kick-off celebration in Muntinlupa City.

In Ilocos Norte the provincial government set up a press conference to answer questions about rabies with a panel including Dr. Rodolfo J. Ragadi from the Provincial Health Office and Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Loida M. Valenzuela. Local media were at the conference to report on the scheme.

Every Friday evening a local Ilocos Norte radio station, Bombo Radyo, aired a live discussion about rabies inviting listeners to text in their questions on rabies awareness and prevention. Another local radio station, DWFB Radyo ng Bayan, asked listeners one rabies-related question each day with prizes for correct answers donated by the Ilocos Norte Medical Society.