World Rabies Day 2016: OIE releases video, infographic to explain operation of rabies Vaccine Bank

Since its establishment in 2012 by the OIE, the rabies Vaccine Bank has contributed to the elimination of rabies in OIE Member Countries by providing high-quality rabies vaccines at an affordable price and in a timely manner. These vaccines act as triggers for the implementation of mass vaccination campaigns, essential to any effective national rabies elimination strategy. On World Rabies Day 2016, the OIE is releasing a video and infographics to explain the operation of the vaccine bank.

Approximately 60,000 people still die of rabies every year. However, with more than 95% of human cases caused by dog bite, we would only have to vaccinate 70% of the canine population in high-risk zones to reduce that number to virtually zero. Indeed, systematic vaccination of dogs is today considered the most effective method of breaking the disease cycle and leading to the elimination of rabies.

For this reason, and with the financial aid of international donors, the OIE created a rabies Vaccine Bank in 2012.

This mechanism guarantees the availability of high-quality vaccines that comply with the OIE’s international standards. The vaccines are provided quickly and at minimal cost, since potential suppliers must compete through an international tender system.

In four years, the OIE Vaccine Bank has already delivered 12.5 million vaccine doses to more than 22 countries, principally in Asia and Africa.

To find out more about the OIE Vaccine Bank:

The needs of OIE Member Countries are not limited to vaccine doses; countries also need support during the implementation of vaccination campaigns. In addition to its leading role in the operation of the vaccine bank, the OIE World Animal Health and Welfare Fund contributes to such activities as recruiting and training the staff responsible for canine vaccination, producing educational materials and creating media campaigns to encourage dog owners to be more responsible.