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Merck Animal Health Demonstrates Commitment to Eliminate Rabies Worldwide With Donation of More Than Two Million Doses of Vaccine to Date

Source: Merk

Merck Animal Health (known as MSD Animal Health outside the United States and Canada) is proud to announce a landmark accomplishment in its fight against rabies with the donation of now more than two million doses of its NOBIVAC® rabies vaccine to organizations working to eliminate this completely preventable disease. This year’s donations of vaccines and other resources to the Afya Serengeti Project and Mission Rabies in the world’s most at-risk regions further represent the Company’s deep, long-standing commitment to the fight against rabies.

Each year, an estimated 59,000 people die from rabies, with 40 percent of those deaths occurring in children under the age of fifteen.1 Rabies, a neglected disease of vulnerable populations, occurs mainly in remote rural communities where children ages 5 to 14 are frequent victims. Africa and India bear the highest burden of total annual rabies deaths.2 Since dogs are the source of the vast majority of human cases and the primary reservoirs, the widespread vaccination of dogs is an effective method for eliminating the disease.2

“On this World Rabies Day and every day, Merck Animal Health is proud to extend our collaboration with the Afya Serengeti Project, which we’ve been committed to for more than 15 years, and with Mission Rabies, in our continued fight against rabies,” said Ingrid Deuzeman, Global Marketing Director, Merck Animal Health. “A preventable disease with devastating impact in vulnerable populations, we are committed to these partnerships and efforts to eliminate rabies globally.”

Join the Fight Against Rabies
In more than 20 participating countries, when pet owners and veterinarians choose NOBIVAC® vaccines, Merck Animal Health has committed to match it with a donation of NOBIVAC® rabies vaccines to the Afya Serengeti Project and Mission Rabies.

“Every year, more than 25 million people worldwide receive a post-bite vaccination, which prevent hundreds of thousands of rabies deaths annually. However, in areas without sufficient access to treatment and hospitals, the impact of rabies is catastrophic.  Every day, people are being exposed to rabies and they then face a race against time, which can sometimes have a deadly and tragic outcome.” said Professor Sarah Cleaveland, founder, Afya Serengeti Project. “We, and the communities supported by this project, are very grateful for the continued support of Merck Animal Health that allows us to control rabies and save lives in vulnerable regions.”  

“Widespread canine vaccinations are preventing the needless devastation that rabies can cause in people and animals,” said Luke Gamble, founder, Mission Rabies. “Our collaboration with Merck Animal Health is an invaluable resource in our mission to eliminate rabies worldwide by 2030.” 


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