Rabies: A Preventable Killer That Still Claims Thousands of Lives.
By Editorial Team.
Despite being preventable, rabies continues to take thousands of lives worldwide every year. As the globe marks World Rabies Day today, health experts are renewing calls for stronger prevention efforts to stamp out the disease once and for all.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that nearly 59,000 people die from rabies annually, with Africa and Asia shouldering the greatest burden. Most victims are children in rural areas, where access to vaccines and medical care is limited.
Rabies is spread primarily through bites or scratches from infected dogs. Once symptoms such as fever, agitation, muscle spasms, or fear of water appear, the disease is almost invariably fatal.
Dog vaccination remains the cornerstone of prevention. In Kenya, The Donkey Sanctuary has partnered with Lamu County to carry out dog and donkey vaccination campaigns for three consecutive years, significantly reducing cases in the region. The organization believes similar programs could be scaled up globally to meet the 2030 goal of eliminating dog-mediated rabies deaths.
Dr. Solomon Onyango, Country Director of The Donkey Sanctuary in Kenya, stressed the importance of immediate treatment following exposure. “Anyone bitten by a suspected rabid animal must seek post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) without delay. This vaccine series saves lives. Donkeys also need protection, as they are vital to rural livelihoods,” he said.
This year, the sanctuary teamed up with the Kenya Veterinary Association, the Kenya Society for the Protection and Care of Animals (KSPCA), and other partners to raise awareness and vaccinate animals in Naivasha.
International organizations including WHO, the World Organisation for Animal Health, and UNICEF have committed to eradicating human deaths from rabies by 2030.
Health experts are urging communities to vaccinate pets, avoid stray animals, and report bites quickly. They maintain that with sustained awareness and prevention, rabies can be eliminated worldwide.
