The World Health Organization (WHO) states that September 28, 2022, will mark the 16th World Rabies Day. This year’s theme ‘Rabies: One Health, Zero Deaths’ will highlight the connection of the environment with both people and animals.
One Health
According to the WHO website, the COVID-19 pandemic has shown the stark vulnerabilities of health systems but it also demonstrated what collaboration across sectors can achieve.
“Rabies control programs offer a great example for One Health implementation and the structures and trust that underpin these are crucial for other zoonotic diseases, including those that are pandemic-prone.”
Zero Deaths
WHO believes that the world has the vaccines, medicines, tools, and technologies to break the cycle of one of the oldest diseases.
Zero by 30: Global Strategic Plan for the elimination of dog-mediated human rabies deaths by 2030 is an ambitious document published by WHO with what the organization believes is realistic and achievable targets. It is aligned with the new NTD road map that prioritizes integrated interventions and mainstreaming of NTD (Neglected Tropical Diseases) programs within national health systems.
The integrated approaches advocated in both the Global Strategic Plan for rabies and the road map are relevant, as they show the importance of working together optimally and collaboratively in face of numerous challenges, as experienced during the current COVID-19 pandemic.
It is therefore critical to work with stakeholders, champions, and people at community, local, national, and global levels to rebuild and strengthen health systems and rabies control programs.
By collaborating and joining forces, engaging communities and committing to sustain dog vaccination, rabies can be eliminated.
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