Gavi to boost access to human rabies vaccines in over 50 countries: Gavi, WHO and UAR

Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, in collaboration with partners, recently announced its support for human rabies vaccines for post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) as part of routine immunisation. Eligible countries are receiving guidance on how to access these vaccines under Gavi’s co – financing policy.

The first round of applications will be accepted by mid- July 2024. 95 percent of human rabies deaths occur in Africa and Asia, most often in marginalised communities that lack access to care, according to the statement released by the World Health Organisation (WHO)..

This development complements ongoing global efforts of the Zero by 30 campaign, led by United Against Rabies partners including the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO),  the World Health Organisation (WHO), and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH, formerly OIE) with the goal of eliminating dog-mediated human rabies by 2030.

Gavi initially agreed to include human rabies vaccines for PEP in its 2021-25 Vaccine Investment Strategy, however the COVID-19 pandemic led to postponement of the program until mid-2023, when the decision to restart was made by Gavi’s Board.

“All Gavi-eligible countries can apply for support to invest in human rabies vaccines for PEP.  Funding will be available for vaccine procurement and associated supplies. Rabies immunoglobulins (RIG) and dog vaccines are not covered by this program. Countries are not required to have a national rabies control plan in place to apply for the first round of multiyear funding, but a national plan will be mandatory for all subsequent applications.

Funding applications will be accepted by Gavi in 2024 by July,15 and by September, 23, 2024, with subsequent funding windows open three times every year,” WHO informs.