Human Rabies in Southeast Asia: Steps Towards Elimination
Author Information
Author(s): Gyanendra Gongal, Alice E. Wright
Primary Institution: WHO Regional Office for South East Asia, New Delhi, India
Hypothesis
Can rabies be effectively eliminated in the WHO Southeast Asia region?
Conclusion
The elimination of human rabies transmitted by dogs is achievable with coordinated efforts and innovative strategies.
Supporting Evidence
- Over 1.4 billion people in Southeast Asia are at risk of rabies infection.
- Approximately 45% of worldwide rabies deaths occur in Asia.
- Dog bites account for 96% of human rabies cases in the region.
- Countries like Singapore and Malaysia have successfully eliminated dog-mediated rabies.
Takeaway
Rabies is a serious disease caused by dog bites, but with the right vaccines and teamwork, we can stop it from spreading.
Methodology
The study reviews rabies control strategies and vaccination programs in Southeast Asia.
Limitations
The study may not account for all local variations in rabies control efforts across different countries.
Participant Demographics
The study highlights that children aged 5-15 are particularly vulnerable to rabies exposure.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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