DOH urged to address shortage of rabies vax
SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, urged the Department of Health (DOH) to address the reported shortage of rabies vaccines across the country, citing a significant increase in rabies-related deaths.
Sen. Go raised concerns over the accessibility and affordability of anti-rabies treatment, particularly for those in remote areas.
“Nakausap ko itong mga mayors. Kulang daw ‘yung rabies vaccines ng DOH. How is the DOH addressing this? Paano ba ma-access itong rabies vaccine? May free rabies vaccine ba na available sa DOH at LGUs?” Senator Go asked.
Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the central nervous system, causing inflammation of the brain. Once clinical symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), rabies has an extremely high fatality rate if untreated.
However, immediate post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), including a series of rabies vaccinations and, when necessary, rabies immunoglobulin, can effectively prevent the virus from progressing if administered promptly after exposure.
Data from DOH revealed a 23% increase in rabies cases from January to September 2024, totaling 354 cases. In the Davao region alone, 36 deaths were recorded last year due to rabies infection—a 50% rise compared to 2023. Senator Go underscored the urgency of ensuring the availability of life-saving vaccines.
Meanwhile, Senator Raffy Tulfo echoed the need for immediate action, pointing out that while snake bites from cobras can cause death within minutes, rabies infections take days before symptoms appear. Despite this, rabies continues to claim lives, primarily due to the high cost of treatment and lack of awareness.
Experts from the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) confirmed that they provide free rabies vaccines to patients who seek treatment at their facilities. However, supply shortages in local health centers remain unresolved.
“Ang RITM po ay may mga libreng rabies vaccine at ito po ay binibigay namin sa lahat ng mga pasyente na dumudulog po sa aming tanggapan, at ito po ay libre,” said Atty. Analiza Duran, RITM’s managing director.
She also explained that many fatalities occur because victims fail to seek medical attention immediately after being bitten. Some disregard the bite, assuming they are safe, only to develop symptoms when it is too late for effective treatment.
“Marami po tayong mga pasyente na nakakagat ng aso at hindi po sila dumudulog sa ating mga tanggapan sa ospital upang magpa-anti-rabies. Meron pong isinasawalang-bahala ang kanilang pagkakagat o ang kanilang pagkakaroon ng daplis, at ito po ay nagmamanifest o lumalabas po ang mga sintomas na napakalayo na po sa araw ng kanilang pagkakagat,” Duran explained.
Senator Go stressed the need for a concrete strategy to reduce rabies mortality and called on DOH officials to respond to the vaccine supply concerns.
DOH Undersecretary Emmie Liza Perez-Chiong acknowledged that while the agency had procured 330 vials of anti-rabies vaccines last year, the supply had already run out. She assured lawmakers that the procurement process for 2.7 million doses was underway, with delivery expected within the next 30 to 45 days once the necessary approvals were completed.
Senator Go emphasized the importance of ensuring the vaccines reach communities nationwide, particularly in rural areas where access to healthcare remains limited. He urged DOH to work closely with local government units to streamline distribution and prevent further loss of life.
