Bambi Eloriaga-Amago
According to the DOH (Department of Health) in the Philippines, rabies can be considered as a “neglected disease” because while it is fatal, it is also preventable.
In 2015 alone, the DOH recorded a total of 226 reported deaths due to rabies. DOH Secretary Janette P. Loreto-Garin would like to emphasize that, “None of these deaths should have occurred since we have the necessary interventions to prevent rabies such as promotion of responsible pet ownership, early consultation when bitten by animals and timely administration of vaccines.”
In line with its goal of eliminating human rabies cases in the country, this year, the DOH will make available a full-course treatment of anti-rabies shots in 480 Animal Bite Treatment Centers around the nation. If bitten or scratched by an animal, just consult with the nearest Animal Bite Center to learn how to avail of the free treatment.
Secretary Garin urged, “Kung ikaw ay nakagat ng alagang hayop o hindi, huwag natin itong ipagsawalang bahala. Magpakonsulta agad sa pinakamalapit na Animal Bite Treatment Center upang malapatan ng tamang lunas. Maging responsible tayo sa ating sarili at sa ating alagang hayop.” (If bitten by a pet or stray, let us not neglect this. Quickly consult with the nearest Animal Bite Treatment Center for treatment. Let us all be responsible with ourselves and our pets.)
