Zero by 30

Rabies is a zoonotic disease (transmitted between animals and humans), usually via a bite wound inflicted by an infected animal. It is often under-diagnosed, under-reported, and under-funded. Despite being an entirely preventable disease, rabies continues to claim the lives of tens of thousands of humans and animals across the Western Pacific region. Enhanced coordination, investment, and prevention strategies are critical to addressing the ongoing impact of rabies.

Between 2013 and 2023, 8740 human rabies cases were reported in the Western Pacific region. China has been making progress in rabies control with a steady reduction from 1128 human rabies cases in 2013 to 122 human rabies cases in 2023. From 2021 to 2023 there has 36 human deaths from rabies in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Malaysia has recorded 79 human rabies cases since 2017, all in Sarawak, with 72 fatalities. In Viet Nam, rabies continues to claim 70-100 human lives annually. In the Philippines, 284 human rabies cases were reported in 2022, compared to 213 cases in 2012, with the number of cases showing an upward trend.

Figure 1. Number of human rabies cases reported between 2012 and 2022 by China, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Philippines, and Viet Nam

Progress has been made in the fight against rabies, with endemic countries establishing national rabies control programs. Many countries within the Western Pacific region have enhanced their capacities in areas such as vaccination, laboratory diagnostics, and the implementation of effective dog vaccination campaigns.

To achieve the global goal of zero human deaths from dog-transmitted rabies by 2030, several critical actions are needed:

1. Strengthening disease surveillance for both human and animal rabies
2. Promoting multisectoral collaboration across health, veterinary, and other relevant sectors
3. Enhancing and sustaining rabies control capacities
4. Raising awareness about rabies prevention and control, particularly in at-risk communities

Related links:

• Regional Dashboard for Neglected Tropical Diseases in the Western Pacific Region