Rabies is one of 20 Neglected Tropical Diseases identified by WHO
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines NTDs as “ancient diseases of poverty that impose a devastating human, social and economic burden on more than 1 billion people worldwide, predominantly in tropical and subtropical areas among the most vulnerable, marginalized populations.”
The first records of rabies appear around 2300 BC and the disease has long been associated with domestic dogs. Today, it remains a significant public health risk to around 75% of the world’s population, occurring in around 150 countries, mainly in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Rabies is a zoonotic disease, that is, it is transmitted from animals to humans. Around half of all NTDs are zoonotic. These diseases are most successfully controlled through an integrated One Health approach which recognises the intimate links between human, animal and environmental health.
The United Against Rabies Forum is pleased to work with the World Health Organization and other partners in supporting the implementation of ‘Ending the neglect to attain the Sustainable Development Goals: a Roadmap for Neglected Tropical Diseases 2021–2030’, aimed at strengthening programmatic response to NTDs through shared goals and disease specific targets, backed by smarter investments.
A One Health approach is essential for achieving sustained reduction in NTDs as many have significant zoonotic or environmental components. We therefore also recommend that any rabies planning also considers the companion report to the NTD Roadmap, One Health: Approach for action against Neglected Tropical Diseases 2021-2030.
Resources
The NTD Roadmap
Ending the neglect to attain the Sustainable Development Goals: a Roadmap for Neglected Tropical Diseases 2021–2030 (WHO)
One Health and NTDs
One Health: Approach for action against Neglected Tropical Diseases 2021-2030 (WHO)
The case for investment
Rabies costs an estimated $8.6 billion every year in lost lives, lost livelihoods and high costs of treatment.
Join us
United Against Rabies is an inclusive Forum committed to end human deaths from dog-mediated rabies.