THE Department of Health (DOH) Davao Region is raising concern over the rising number of rabies-related fatalities in the region.
In 2024, the region recorded 36 deaths, up from 24 in 2023, prompting officials to emphasize urgent preventive measures.
Undersecretary Abdullah Dumama Jr., DOH Area for Mindanao Concurrent Head, reported that of the 36 deaths, 23 were linked to domestic animals, and 13 to strays.
The fatal cases spanned across the region, with Davao del Norte seeing the highest increase—a staggering 333 percent rise. The victims ranged in age from five to 68 years old.
“Tumataas na po ang rabies sa rehiyon but ito ay kayang-kayang nating ma control (The number of rabies-related deaths is increasing in the region, but we believe it can still be controlled),” Dumama stated in a media interview on January 24, 2025.
The regional director also announced that the region had received a Sub-Allotment Advice (SAA) from the central office for anti-rabies vaccines worth P8 million, equivalent to 7,000 vials. However, he noted that this amount is insufficient to meet the rising number of animal bites, which reached 120,000 in 2024.
For 2025, the region is allocated an SAA worth P1 million, or 1,500 vials.
Dumama noted that local government units (LGUs) are responsible for securing additional vaccines, with the DOH offering supplementary support as needed.
The DOH is also collaborating with the Department of Agriculture (DA) to strengthen vaccination efforts and raise awareness about rabies prevention.
Dumama warned against dangerous traditional practices, such as “tandok,” which some people still use to treat rabies, despite health authorities’ warnings.
He urged those bitten or scratched by animals to wash the wound immediately with soap and running water and seek treatment at one of the region’s 50 Animal Bite and Treatment Centers (ABTCs) without delay. RGP
