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

Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, is partnering with WHO and the United Against Rabies (UAR) coalition to boost access to human rabies vaccines in over 50 countries. This initiative targets post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) as part of routine immunization, providing essential vaccines to eligible countries under Gavi’s cofinancing policy. The first application window closes mid-July 2024. This initiative supports the Zero by 30 campaign, aiming to eliminate dog-mediated human rabies by 2030.

Rabies, almost always transmitted through dog bites, is nearly 100% fatal once symptoms appear but is preventable with prompt PEP, including wound washing, vaccines, and immunoglobulins. This program by Gavi is critical in regions where 95% of rabies deaths occur, particularly in marginalized communities with limited access to vaccines.

WHO will assist countries in securing Gavi funding and creating action plans to meet the Zero by 30 goal. While this Gavi support covers human rabies vaccines, it does not include rabies immunoglobulins (RIG) or dog vaccines. Countries can apply for multiyear funding, with no initial requirement for a national rabies control plan, though one will be necessary for future applications.

The initiative emphasizes the need for better data, dog vaccinations, and public education to prevent bites and manage exposures. The combined efforts of various sectors are crucial to eradicating human rabies deaths.