The virus of the rage is still raging in Algeria! The National Institute of Public Health (INSP) has recorded 180,000 cases of bites in 2023. Faced with this observation, the health authorities are committed to following the plan established by the World Health Organization (WHO). It aims to achieve ” zero cases of rabies by 2030 ».
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Abderrazak Bouamra, Director General of the INSP, is sounding the alarm. He said that the bites can have fatal consequences if not treated promptly. Although 180,000 cases of bites have been reported, he said this does not necessarily mean there are cases of rabies. However, the risk remains, particularly for children, who make up the majority of victims. Bites often occur on sensitive parts of the body, such as the face, increasing the risk of complications. ” he added.
Bouamra encouraged parents to seek medical attention quickly after a bite. vaccination anti-rabique is the only effective way to prevent disease after a bite. “Prompt treatment is essential to avoid serious complications. Once a person is infected, treatment can no longer work,” he warned.
Fight against rabies: a new ministerial circular to strengthen care
Bouamra presented the updates made to the rabies management protocols. He thus mentioned the new ministerial circular which updates the existing system. We support our efforts with scientific advances to improve the quality of care, making rabies treatment more effective. ” he stressed.
He also highlighted the goal of “zero rabies cases by 2030.” This will require the involvement of various sectors to strengthen measures and implement targeted actions. Bouamra is convinced that Algeria has the resources to significantly reduce the number of bites and eventually eradicate this problem.
Rabies virus: 60,000 people die each year worldwide
WHO representative in Algeria, Nouhou Hamadou, recalled the scale of rabies on a global scale. He said that 60,000 people die each year, including 40% are children under 15 years of age. “Intersectoral collaboration is essential to implement effective prevention strategies,” he insisted.
Hamadou emphasizes the need to raise awareness among the population in order to explain to them how rage spreads and give them the tools to act quickly if bitten. The challenge is to mobilize communities and ensure access to quality care, especially in remote areas ” he added.
Experts are calling for urgent collective action to combat rabies, both in Algeria and globally.
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