Protecting people from rabies is a collective effort and we health workers have a crucial role to play. Here are three key actions you can take to stop deaths from rabies in your community:

1. Vaccination of dogs: Almost all cases of human rabies and cases among domestic animals are infected by rabid dogs. The most effective strategy for stopping human rabies is to vaccinate dogs against the disease. We, health workers, must spread this message and help organize rabies vaccination of dogs in the communities where we work.

2. World Rabies Day, which falls on 28 September each year, is a good time to organize dog rabies vaccination in your local community.

3. Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP): PEP is the treatment for anyone who has been bitten by a dog or other animal that could possibly have rabies. PEP has three components: a) Immediate wound care, b) Rabies PEP vaccination, and c) rabies antibody treatment.

4. Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG): RIG is a sterile solution that contains antibodies that bind to and destroy the rabies virus. It is injected directly into the bite wound and into the surrounding tissue to stop the virus from spreading. It should be administered after the bite has first been cleaned with soap and water. It can be given at the same time as the first rabies PEP vaccine dose. RIG is available only in designated clinics. Prepare yourself by finding out where rabies PEP vaccine and RIG are available in the area where you work and store the number to the clinic on your mobile.

5. Educate your community: Raising awareness about how rabies is spread and how to prevent the disease is essential for eliminating rabies in your community. Teach people, adults, and children, to avoid contact with roaming dogs and wild animals, especially if they appear to be sick. Remind and encourage people to vaccinate their dogs against rabies and keep the vaccination certificates. Tell them what to do if someone is bitten by a dog that may have rabies.

By taking these actions, we empower communities to take measures against rabies that stop its spread and save lives.

Click on the 'Managing Rabies Cases' button below so we can learn more about how to handle rabies cases.