REDIPRA 14. Action plan to eliminate human rabies transmitted by dogs

Abstract

[Introduction] This document presents the background and analysis of the situation of dog‐transmitted rabies in the Americas and offers an action plan for its elimination, in accordance with the initiative for eliminating neglected diseases and other infections associated with poverty, in conformity with Resolution 19 of the 49th Session of PAHO’s Directing Council.8 This action plan suggests coordination elements at all levels, with special emphasis on mechanisms to ensure the commitment of both authorities and donors. It presupposes that political commitment should extend beyond the cessation of cases of human rabies, so as to prevent reintroduction of the disease, as well as reflecting in sustainable structures and mechanisms. This action plan is aimed on a priority basis at human rabies transmitted by dogs, but recognizes the magnitude of the rabies problem in wild and production animal species, particularly that of bat‐transmitted rabies.