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Gavi to Boost Access to Life-Saving Human Rabies Vaccines in Over 50 Countries

Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Against Rabies (UAR) coalition, has announced a significant initiative to expand access to life-saving human rabies vaccines in over 50 countries. Rabies is a fatal viral disease transmitted through the bite of infected animals, primarily dogs. Despite effective vaccines and post-exposure treatment, an estimated 59,000 people die from rabies each year, mainly in developing countries. The new initiative aims to reduce this mortality rate by increasing the availability and affordability of high-quality human rabies vaccines. Gavi will provide funding to support procurement and distribution of the vaccines, as well as training for healthcare workers. “Rabies is a preventable disease, yet it continues to claim thousands of lives each year,” said Dr. Seth Berkley, CEO of Gavi. “By expanding access to vaccines, we can save lives and protect communities from this devastating disease.” WHO will provide technical guidance and support to ensure the vaccines are used effectively and safely. UAR, a global alliance of organizations dedicated to combating rabies, will contribute expertise and mobilize partners to implement the initiative at the country level. “Rabies control is a global priority, and immunization is the most effective way to prevent the disease,” said Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, Technical Lead for Rabies at WHO. “This initiative will significantly strengthen our efforts to eliminate human rabies.” The initiative will target countries with high or moderate rabies transmission rates, with a focus on marginalized populations who are often at greatest risk of exposure to infected animals. “Rabies poses a particular threat to the most vulnerable communities, who may lack access to healthcare and education,” said Dr. Mark Schneider, Executive Director of UAR. “This initiative will help to ensure that everyone has the chance to be protected from this deadly disease.” The funding from Gavi will support the procurement of over 17 million doses of high-quality human rabies vaccines over the next five years. The vaccines will be distributed through national immunization programs and other channels to reach those most in need. “Access to rabies vaccines is a matter of life and death,” said Dr. Jitendra Patel, Head of Supply and Logistics at Gavi. “Through this initiative, we are working to ensure that everyone, no matter where they live, has the opportunity to be vaccinated and protected from rabies.”Gavi Supports Human Rabies Vaccines for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis

Gavi Supports Human Rabies Vaccines for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis

Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and its partners have announced their support for providing human rabies vaccines for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) as part of routine immunization. Eligible countries are receiving guidance on how to access these vaccines under Gavi’s co-financing policy.

Rabies Burden and Marginalized Communities

Ninety-five percent of human rabies deaths occur in Africa and Asia, primarily in marginalized communities lacking access to proper healthcare.

Complementing Global Efforts

This development aligns with the ongoing Zero by 30 Campaign led by Stand Up to Rabies partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH). The goal is to eliminate human rabies transmitted by dogs by 2030.

WHO’s Role

WHO will provide technical assistance to countries, supporting their funding applications to Gavi and developing action plans for progress towards Zero by 30.

Vaccine Availability and Financial Burden

In countries with canine rabies, human rabies vaccine stocks are often limited or unavailable in public health systems, especially in marginalized communities. When available through private facilities, PEP costs can pose a financial burden on families.

Gavi’s Commitment

Gavi aims to save lives by ensuring that human rabies vaccines are accessible to anyone in need, especially vulnerable and marginalized communities.

Nature of Rabies

Rabies is a deadly viral disease causing severe brain inflammation. It is primarily transmitted to humans by rabid dogs. Once it reaches the central nervous system, it becomes nearly 100% fatal.

Prevention and Treatment

PEP can prevent rabies infection if administered promptly, involving wound washing, human rabies vaccine, and immunoglobulins.

Program Timeline and Eligibility

Gavi’s program was initially postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic but was reinstated in mid-2023. All Gavi-eligible countries can apply for support in procuring human rabies vaccines and associated supplies. Countries are not required to have a national rabies control plan for the first funding round, but it will be mandatory for subsequent applications.

Funding Applications

Gavi will accept funding applications in July and September 2024, with subsequent funding windows opening three times yearly.

Gavi Partners to Enhance Access to Life-Saving Rabies Vaccines in Over 50 Countries

Geneva, Switzerland

– An innovative partnership between Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the United Against Rabies (UAR) has been launched to expand access to life-saving human rabies vaccines in more than 50 countries. Currently, an estimated 59,000 people die from rabies each year, primarily in Africa and Asia. Dogs are the primary transmitters of the virus, and most human cases result from dog bites. However, effective vaccines are available to prevent infection. The partnership aims to significantly reduce the burden of rabies by increasing the availability and affordability of vaccines to protect people at risk. Gavi will provide financial support for the procurement and distribution of vaccines, while WHO and UAR will provide technical assistance and support for vaccine deployment. “Rabies is a neglected tropical disease that takes a devastating toll on communities, particularly children,” said Dr. Seth Berkeley, CEO of Gavi. “This partnership will help us to reach more people with life-saving vaccines and ultimately eliminate this deadly disease.” WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the importance of collaboration in tackling rabies: “By working together, we can provide access to vaccines for those most in need and save countless lives.” UAR Chairman Prof. David Fishman added: “This partnership is a crucial step towards achieving the global goal of zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030.” The partnership will focus on countries with the highest burden of rabies and where access to vaccines is limited. It will also support efforts to strengthen surveillance systems and promote responsible dog ownership. By enhancing access to vaccines and implementing comprehensive rabies control programs, the partnership aims to significantly reduce the impact of this deadly disease and protect vulnerable communities worldwide.