• GAVI supports human rabies vaccines for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) within routine immunization programs.

• This initiative targets Africa and Asia, where 95% of rabies deaths occur, often in marginalized communities.

• This effort, part of the Zero by 30 campaign to eliminate dog-mediated human rabies by 2030, aligns with global partners, including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH, formerly OIE).

• Dr. Jérôme Salomon of WHO emphasized the importance of this commitment in preventing human rabies fatalities.

• Eligible countries can apply for GAVI support by mid-July 2024. 

• GAVI’s Chief Programme Officer, Aurélia Nguyen, stressed the aim of ensuring equal access to rabies vaccines.

• Initially planned for 2021, this program was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and has now been reactivated.

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