GENERAL SANTOS CITY — The provincial government of South Cotabato has launched a review of its program and strategy against the deadly rabies virus in a bid to effectively address the rising cases of infection in the area.
Dr. Flora Bigot, acting head of the Provincial Veterinary Office, said Monday the move is in line with the recent activation of the Provincial Rabies Prevention and Control Committee.
She said the committee is mainly tasked to lead interventions and ensure the proper implementation of the Anti-Rabies Act.
Bigot said the review is mainly aimed to draw fresh strategies that will enhance the province’s comprehensive plan for rabies elimination.
She said the plan will serve as a guide for key stakeholders in eventually achieving a “rabies-free South Cotabato.”
Bigot, who chairs the committee, said they already conducted a series of initial meetings and consultations for their action plan as well as upcoming programs and activities.
She said they are targeting to start the actual interventions and “make a difference” by early next year.
The Integrated Provincial Health Office’s (IPHO) epidemiology and surveillance unit has reported an “alarming increase” this year in rabies cases in the province.
As of the end of October, the confirmed rabies infection and deaths cases in the province already reached 17 or 750 percent higher when compared to the same period last year.
Lake Sebu town recorded the most number of rabies deaths with five, followed by T’boli town with four.
IPHO said most of the victims were children but it noted that five cases were recorded in the 31 to 40 years-old age group.
It said 13 cases involved unvaccinated dogs, of which eight turned out positive of the rabies virus. The rabid dogs were found in Koronadal City and the municipalities of Lake Sebu, Banga, Norala, Sto. Nino and Polomolok.
Dr.Alah Baby Vingno, assistant provincial health officer, said the lack of operational Animal Bite and Treatment Centers (ABTCs) at the municipal level has compounded the problem with rabies.
She said the lack of access by residents to accredited ABTCs has hampered immediate interventions on animal bite cases.(AC/PNA)
