The Ministry of Health has announced its intention to accelerate rabies control, a significant public health issue.
“Measures will be expedited to ensure that no one dies of rabies by 2030,” stated Deputy Minister for Health, Professor Dr Aye Tun, during the coordination meeting on rabies control held on 29 January.
Myanmar has devised a national plan (2018-2030) to reduce the incidence of rabies in dogs. Mass vaccination campaigns against dog rabies are underway in Lewe township of Nay Pyi Taw, NyaungU township of Mandalay Region and Hmawby township of Yangon Region as part of the One Health Strategy.
The deputy minister emphasized that rabies constitutes a significant public health challenge, and its prevention and control are crucial aspects of public health management.
Rabies infection carries a high risk of fatality for individuals. According to WHO, one person dies from rabies every 15 minutes globally. Annually, between 55,000 and 70,000 people succumb to rabies, with the majority of deaths occurring in impoverished villages in Asian and African nations. — TWA/KZW
