Phnom Penh (FN), September 26 - Rabies, a deadly disease carried in animals - mainly unvaccinated dogs and bats - and which can be transmitted to humans through bites, affects approximately 800 Cambodians each year.

Half of all rabies deaths in the kingdom occur in children of 15 years old or younger. Rabies is 100% fatal in people and pets who have not been adequately vaccinated against the disease.

The Institut Pasteur, in collaboration with other ministries, has developed a 5 year action plan, targeting a 50% mortality reduction.

Educating the public regarding the importance of vaccines in tandem with the construction of vaccination centers will help reach the objectives of the initiative.

The Institut Pasteur has published a 44-page book titled "Understanding Rabies”, which is the foundation of raising awareness about the fatal disease across Cambodia.

The book is intended to help Cambodians understand the disease, the risk of transmission, and in particular, how to protect themselves and the community from the infection.

Sipar has collaborated with Institut Pasteur to begin a campaign to distribute the books for free from September 28, 2017 onwards across Cambodia.
=FRESH NEWS