Media Release
30 September 2024
Australia is supporting Indonesia’s response to rabies by providing an additional 200,000 dog rabies vaccines to mark World Rabies Day on 28 September.
Australia’s Deputy Ambassador to Indonesia, Gita Kamath, commended Indonesia’s leadership mobilising human and animal health services to contain rabies outbreaks.
“Responsive local health services that work closely with local communities are key to coordinating outbreak response. These vaccines will support Indonesia’s ongoing efforts to keep people safe from rabies,” she said.
Of these vaccines, 130,000 have been made available to vaccinate dogs in East Nusa Tenggara. This contribution adds to 200,000 doses previously provided to East Nusa Tenggara Province, and 400,000 doses provided to Bali Province.
Australia works closely with Indonesia to overcome rabies, including by supporting mass dog vaccinations, training vaccinators, laboratory staff and community health workers, and public messaging to educate the community.
The theme for World Rabies Day 2024 is “Breaking Rabies Boundaries” which highlights the importance of a One Health approach that integrates human, animal, and environmental health efforts, and improving collaboration between countries and across various sectors. Australia is committed to the global goal to end human deaths from rabies spread by dogs by 2030.
Media Inquiries: [email protected]
Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/kedubesaustralia/albums/72177720320697425