“Government of Sikka Regency Allocates IDR 500 Million for Dog Rabies Vaccination”

SIKKA, KOMPAS.com – The government of Sikka Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), will prepare a budget of IDR 500 million for the procurement of rabies-transmitting animal vaccines (HPR).

This step follows the death of a boy with the initials S (4) from Habi Village, Kangae District, due to being bitten by a rabid dog.

“We will buy a vaccine for dogs later, we will allocate a budget of Rp. 500 million which will be sourced from unexpected spending funds (BTT) or a revision budget,” said Sikka Regent Francis Roberto Diogo in his statement, Wednesday (10/5/2023).

Also read: A 4-year-old boy in Sikka died, allegedly as a result of being bitten by a rabies dog, was given the vaccine twice

Roberto admitted that the HPR vaccination achievement in Sikka Regency was only around 15 percent. This figure is far below the standard, which is 70 percent.

Therefore, he continued, by procuring the vaccine later, it is hoped that all dogs can be vaccinated.

“So far we have received vaccine assistance from the NTT provincial government but it is not enough. Moreover, the number of dogs in Sikka is approximately 55,000,” he said.

Roberto hopes that there will be support from all parties in order to break the chain of transmission of rabies animals in Sikka.

Secretary of the Flores Lembata Anti-Rabies Committee Asep Purnama said that the high number of dogs infected with rabies in Sikka District must receive an immediate solution. If not, the death toll from rabies will continue to grow.

What must be done, continued Asep, is to immediately increase the dog vaccination coverage (HPR), at least above 70 percent.

“Rabies immunization coverage for dogs in Flores Lembata is very low. Availability of rabies vaccine is limited,” he said.

Also read: A 4-year-old boy in Sikka dies after being bitten by a positive rabies dog

Asep recalls, when bitten by a dog immediately wash with soap and running water.

Then come to the health service, puskesmas or hospital to get help and an anti-rabies vaccine.

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