What the Provincial Veterinarians say
Philippines
The Philippines has set itself the target of eliminating rabies by 2020. GARC has been working alongside the government and other agencies to support this goal of a sustainably rabies-free Philippines. Our partners include the Provincial Veterinary Offices.
Dr. Loida Valenzuela became Provincial Veterinarian for Ilocos Norte in 1996. And since then she has been actively implementing their anti-rabies campaign: A woman on a mission: to protect the people and animals of her province from rabies.
Over the years she’s faced challenges including limited vaccine resources but Doc. Loida, as she is affectionately known, hasn't allowed this to deter her.
Instead, as a positive and persuasive communicator, she actively spreads the anti-rabies message to everyone she meets - from the officials in government to people gathered in the streets of the barangays (villages) of Ilocos Norte.
Gradually, more rabies advocates have emerged and municipalities are allotting some resources for dog vaccines.
“Converting people into anti-rabies advocates is a very rewarding part of my job,” says Doc. Loida. “There’s a big increase in the number of people having their animals vaccinated as they understand more about the disease.”
“There are still human mortalities from rabies every year. We want to eliminate that completely.”
Watch this clip of Dr. Loida at work in Ilocos Norte, Philippines
The mountains of Sorsogon present particular challenges to rabies prevention efforts.
Reaching isolated communities to vaccinate dogs is challenging enough but, on top of that, insurgency in the area means that teams are sometimes warned away by rebel groups or even caught in their crossfire.
“We take it as just part of our job” says Provincial Veterinarian, Doctor Enrique Espiritu, or Doc Iking as he is known locally.
“And while it is sometimes a challenge for us, it is also fulfilling to deliver services to these areas.”
And he’s doing a great job. At the end of December 2013, 64% of all the dogs in the area had been vaccinated against rabies and that number that is rising all the time. Herd immunity begins at 70%.
“We cannot work alone in rabies prevention. To get results we need different sectors working together. We have to reach out” says Doc Iking.
GARC’s support meant Doc Iking’s 12-man team could train and mobilize 1,251 volunteer dog vaccinators from village health workers, agricultural and fishery workers and members of the local youth council.
This massive increase in manpower makes vaccinating the dogs of Sorsogon’s isolated communities much more realistic.
Meanwhile, Marikina City, on the island of Luzon in the Philippines a highly urbanized area has achieved one of the lowest rabies infection rates in the country.
Marikeños are renowned as disciplined people and Dr. Manuel Carlos is no exception.
“The challenge for [us] now lies in protecting our borders from surrounding areas that may have unvaccinated dogs. We’re working with GARC to raise awareness of the disease and to share best practice with neighboring areas.”
“Marikina has achieved its success because of strong political will. The anti-rabies law served as our backbone and guide for the program.”
“The capability to prevent the suffering rabies causes is there but for long-term prevention takes more than dog vaccination. Everyone has to a part to play. Policy makes society’s responsibilities clear and provides structure for things like dog and cat vaccination, rabies education in schools, and procedures to help keep disease at bay in times of disaster and calamity.”
“My best advice to others who want to strengthen their rabies program is to enforce the law. If your local government has not yet adopted the anti-rabies law, then you need to lobby your policy makers.”
GARC is working with policy makers around the world to help them understand the benefits of and the steps to reduce rabies. You can read more about our work here