Validation of elimination of dog-mediated human rabies as a public health problem
Rabies is an ancient viral disease that still takes a heavy toll on already marginalized communities. One person dies from rabies every 9 minutes – mostly after being bitten by a rabid dog. However, rabies is 100% preventable.
Investing in rabies elimination saves lives, strengthens both human and veterinary health systems, and reassures residents and visitors. Change is driven by leaving no one behind.
Validation of elimination of dog-mediated human rabies as a public health problem shows the world that ending infectious diseases is possible. Eliminating the trauma, death and costs inflicted by rabies is within our reach and the time to act is now.
With the global target of zero human deaths due to dog-mediated rabies by 2030 (“Zero by 30”), harmonized processes are required to acknowledge and measure country progress towards this goal.
WHO’s road map for neglected tropical disease 2021–2030 targets 155 countries as having achieved elimination of rabies as a public health problem by 2030. This means interruption of dog-human rabies transmission leading to zero human deaths from rabies, or “Zero by 30”.
Mexico has been the first country in the world to obtain WHO validation for eliminating dog-mediated human rabies as a public health problem.
To have this major success recognized, a country previously endemic for rabies may apply for having eliminated rabies as a public health problem if it fulfils the following conditions :
The occurrence of human rabies cases transmitted by other animals than dogs (e.g. bats) does not preclude validation of eliminating rabies as a public health problem.
The process was defined by the WHO Expert Consultation on Rabies in 2017 and is published in WHO’s Technical Report Series 1012 – Expert Consultation on Rabies. Other regional requirements may apply.
Preparation of validation dossiers
Template dossier for validation of elimination of dog-mediated human rabies as a...
The following additional resources provide guidance on preparation of validation dossiers:
WHO Expert Consultation on Rabies: WHO TRS N°1012
Since the launch of the Global framework to eliminate human rabies transmitted by dogs by 2030 in 2015, WHO has worked with the Food and Agriculture Organization...
Zero by 30: the global strategic plan to end human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030
Why eliminate rabies? An estimated 59 000 people die from rabies each year. That’s one person every nine minutes of every day, 40% of whom...
Ending the neglect to attain the Sustainable Development Goals: A road map for neglected tropical diseases...
Ending the neglect to attain the Sustainable Development Goals: a road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021−2030 was prepared through an extensive...
Ending the neglect to attain the sustainable development goals: a framework for monitoring and evaluating...
Ending the neglect to attain the Sustainable Development Goals: a framework for monitoring and evaluating progress of the road map for neglected...
We have a tangible opportunity to eliminate the pain, suffering and death inflicted by rabies on humanity.
Use this chance to demonstrate your abilities and strengths by submitting your dossier to get your achievements recognized.
Inspire other countries and celebrate this tremendous milestone on the way to eliminating dog-mediated human rabies.
