Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has announced support for providing human rabies vaccines for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) as part of routine immunization efforts. This initiative will help eligible countries access these life-saving vaccines under Gavi’s co-financing policy, with applications due by mid-July 2024. This support is especially critical for Africa and Asia, where 95% of human rabies deaths occur, often in marginalized communities.
This initiative aligns with the Zero by 30 campaign’s global goal to eliminate dog-mediated human rabies by 2030, led by partners like the FAO, WHO, and WOAH.
Dr. Jérôme Salomon from WHO emphasized, “This commitment from Gavi is crucial and will expedite efforts to halt human fatalities caused by dog-mediated rabies. WHO will provide technical assistance to countries to support their funding applications and develop comprehensive plans of action.”
Aurélia Nguyen, Chief Programme Officer at Gavi, highlighted the program’s aim: “Gavi’s aim with this program is to save lives by ensuring human rabies vaccines are available to anyone who needs them, especially in vulnerable and marginalized communities.”
Rabies is a viral disease that causes severe brain inflammation and is nearly 100% fatal once symptoms appear. However, it is preventable with prompt PEP, which includes thorough wound washing, a course of rabies vaccine, and immunoglobulins if necessary.
Professor Lucille Blumberg, Chair of United Against Rabies, stated, “Gavi’s investment is crucial for the global strategy to stop human rabies deaths. To achieve this, we need better data, surveillance, dog vaccinations, and public education.”
All Gavi-eligible countries can apply for support to invest in human rabies vaccines for PEP, with funding available for vaccine procurement and associated supplies. Applications are accepted by 15 July and 23 September 2024, with additional windows opening three times a year.
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