THE RISE in animal bite cases in Western Visayas — a staggering 53,919 incidents in just the first quarter of 2024, according to the Department of Health — signals a public health emergency that cannot be ignored. This surge has rapidly depleted stocks of anti-rabies vaccines at 109 Animal Bite Treatment Centers (ABTCs) across the region, exposing a critical shortfall in our healthcare infrastructure. Local government units (LGUs) now face a critical choice: continue to rely on uncertain central supplies or take proactive steps to safeguard their communities.
The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. DOH Region 6 has issued a call to action – for LGUs to allocate local funds for purchasing these life-saving vaccines. Indeed, this plea is about prioritizing human life. Dr. Jocelyn Te, head of the Infectious Disease Unit at DOH-6, acknowledged the dire situation with the central office’s uncertain additional supplies for the year. This uncertainty places a heavy burden on local centers, especially as the region grapples with so far nine rabies-related deaths this year.
By investing locally in vaccine procurement, LGUs can ensure a steady and reliable flow of resources that are important in crisis moments. Such a move would make them less dependent on the central government’s allocations, which can be delayed or insufficient.
Localizing funding also means tailoring solutions to meet specific needs. The Western Visayas Medical Center, for example, witnesses a daily influx of patients seeking treatment for animal bites. The response strategy here may differ from that in less densely populated or differently resourced areas. Each LGU understanding and addressing its unique challenges is important in crafting an effective response.
The dual focus of the region’s rabies prevention strategy — increasing human and dog vaccinations — is a smart move but requires a solid foundation of resources to be effective. DOH aspires to vaccinate at least three-quarters of the municipalities, a goal that can only be reached with robust local funding support.
In the fight against rabies, foresight and prevention are important. Investing in vaccines is investing in the community’s safety and well-being. It is a measure that, while initially costly, could save countless lives and resources in the long run. LGUs must step up and prioritize healthcare funding, particularly for as critical an issue as rabies prevention, ensuring that every bite does not turn into a potential fatality. The time to act is now, not when another life is lost.
