To enhance public health and empower local communities, Boehringer Ingelheim’s rabies prevention program takes steps towards a rabies-free Philippines.

Boehringer Ingelheim, one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies, has launched the “Stop Rabies” program in Puerto Galera, Mindoro. This initiative, which was launched on October 14, 2024, World Rabies Day, aims to contribute to achieving a rabies-free Philippines. Through rabies education, mass vaccinations for animals and a program for neutering both cats and dogs, the program seeks to improve public health and empower local communities.

Dr. Anna Esmeralda J. Nagera, Head of Companion Animal Business at Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Philippines, Inc. highlights the mission of the company’s rabies program, saying, “Through the ‘Stop Rabies’ program, we are making meaningful progress towards reducing rabies in Puerto Galera by vaccinating and neutering animals, and also empowering communities with the knowledge they need to protect themselves and their pets.” 

Rabies in the Philippines and the World

Rabies is a critical public health issue all over the world. Across 150 countries, it is the cause of 59,000 every year, according to the World Health Organization. The disease primarily affects marginalized, poor and rural populations in Africa and Asia where 40% of its victims are children.

The Philippines, in particular, faces considerable risk from rabies. According to the Philippine News Agency, the spread of rabies has been rising since 2023. There were 169 recent human rabies cases reported. And of these cases, there were 160 deaths, or a fatality rate of 94.67%.

Rabies remains preventable with proper vaccination, education, and surveillance programs. Rabies elimination efforts help control the spread of rabies, save lives, and ultimately contribute to healthier communities.

Dr. Alfredo Manglicmot, Provincial Veterinary Office-Oriental Mindoro focuses on the impact of the program on the local community. He says, “Rabies poses a serious threat in our region and protecting the community remains our top priority. In collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim, we are strengthening our efforts in vaccination, education, and castration to ensure the safety of both animals and people in Puerto Galera.” 

Chari Amparo, Spokesperson, Global Alliance for Rabies Control, highlighted the importance of the collaboration: “Eliminating rabies is not just a goal; it’s a necessity for global health. By prioritizing education, improving vaccination efforts, and strengthening surveillance, we can empower communities to safeguard their health and work towards a world where rabies is no longer a threat to human or animal life.” 

About the Boehringer Ingelheim Rabies Prevention Program

The ‘Stop Rabies’ program prioritizes animal vaccination as the most effective strategy in rabies prevention, enhancing both animal and human health. The initiative aims to vaccinate approximately 5,000 animals in 13 barangays in Puerto Galera including Aninuan, San Isidro, and Balatero.

As part of its solution, the program also neuters dogs and cats in collaboration with Philippine Animal Hospital Association, Inc. (PAHA), MiMaRoPa Surgeons, and Marinduque Field Hospital. 

Key partners of the program include Global Alliance for Rabies Control, Field Epidemiology Training Program Alumni Foundation, Inc., Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Philippine Veterinary Medical Association, Bureau of Animal Industry, MIMAROPA Regional Office, Puerto Galera LGU, and the Provincial Veterinary Office-Oriental Mindoro.