The post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) vaccines, worth US$100,000, are intended to protect vulnerable groups, particularly ethnic minorities and children, those most affected by rabies.

WHO has delivered the vaccines to the Centers for Disease Control (CDCs) of the two provinces in coordination with the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (NIHE), the Ministry of Health, and local authorities. The support is funded by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

WHO Representative in Vietnam Dr. Angela Pratt said the donation not only provides life-saving vaccines but also underscores the need for stronger action to ensure no one dies of rabies simply because they cannot afford vaccination. She urged health authorities to make post-exposure vaccines widely available and affordable, especially for low-income and vulnerable populations.

Rabies cases have been rising in recent years. In 2024 alone, Vietnam reported 89 deaths from the disease, nearly half of them children.

Dr. Pratt emphasized that vaccinating dogs remains the most effective and cost-efficient way to eliminate the source of transmission. She called for nationwide dog vaccination campaigns at reasonable costs and closer cross-sector cooperation among health, veterinary, and environmental agencies under the One Health approach to eradicate rabies.

Currently, rabies vaccines for humans are not covered by health insurance, and a full five-dose course costs around VND 1.5 million.

WHO reaffirmed its continued support for Vietnam’s National Program on Rabies Prevention and Control for 2022-2030 and called on all stakeholders to join efforts toward the global goal of “Zero dog-mediated human rabies deaths by 2030.”

Rabies remains a serious threat in Vietnam, warns expert

VOV.VN - Rabies is considered one of the most dangerous infectious diseases, with almost no chance of survival once symptoms appear.