CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Northern Mindanao is stepping up its fight against rabies as health officials push for stronger prevention, faster treatment, and wider pet vaccination toward the goal of zero human rabies deaths by 2030.
The region recorded five rabies deaths from January to August 2026, down from 11 during the same period last year. Health officials said the cases show that continued prevention and quick access to treatment remain important.
Dr. Abel Santini G. Permites, a certified trainer on rabies and animal bite management, stressed that immediate medical care can prevent rabies from becoming fatal. He urged anyone bitten or scratched by a potentially rabid animal to wash the affected area with soap and running water for about 15 minutes and seek treatment immediately.
Dogs account for more than 90% of human rabies cases in the Philippines, making responsible pet ownership and regular vaccination key parts of prevention.Permites also encouraged local governments and communities to strengthen animal vaccination programs, including efforts for stray animals, while urging pet owners to keep their dogs and cats vaccinated and registered.
Health officials said reaching zero human rabies deaths by 2030 will require continued cooperation among government agencies, local governments, health facilities, communities, and pet owners.
