Limited vaccine access hampers Kenya’s rabies prevention efforts

Nairobi, Kenya, October 3 — Veterinary experts warn that limited access to rabies vaccines and timely post-exposure treatment is hindering Kenya’s efforts to eradicate dog-mediated human rabies. Rosebella Ochango, a veterinary professional and Business Developer at PetStore Kenya, highlighted the difficulties faced in rural, remote, and underserved areas where access to vaccination and treatment remains a challenge.

She emphasized the need for more accessible vaccination services, improved communication on vaccination schedules, and stronger collaboration between veterinary professionals, county governments, communities, and private-sector partners. Ochango stressed that merely having an effective vaccine does not guarantee that every dog is vaccinated or that every person exposed to a rabid animal receives timely treatment.

She noted that families in remote communities may have to travel significant distances after a child is bitten by a dog to receive proper medical assessment and post-exposure treatment. Rabies, a viral disease affecting the central nervous system and almost always fatal once symptoms appear, is primarily transmitted by dogs, accounting for up to 99 percent of human rabies cases according to the World Health Organization.

The WHO estimates that rabies kills about 59,000 people globally each year, with the majority occurring in Africa and Asia. In Kenya, approximately 2,000 people die from rabies annually, with children accounting for a significant portion of fatalities. Immediate measures, such as thorough cleansing of the wound with soap and running water for about 15 minutes and seeking immediate medical attention for assessment and potential post-exposure treatment, are crucial for those bitten or scratched by potentially rabid animals.

Ochango stressed that vaccination should be complemented with responsible pet ownership, control of roaming dogs, public education, and disease surveillance. She urged pet owners to vaccinate their dogs and adhere to the recommended vaccination schedules provided by veterinary professionals. Ochango also emphasized the importance of better information on rabies and the necessary steps to take after an animal bite or scratch within communities.