1 week ago
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ILOILO CITY — The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) is expanding access to animal bite treatment centers following a recorded increase in animal bite cases over the past years.
IPHO head Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon said the provincial government has strengthened rabies prevention efforts by increasing the number of treatment facilities in its bid to declare Iloilo rabies-free province by 2030.
She noted that the province currently has 13 hospitals designated as animal bite treatment centers, 19 rural health units offering animal bite treatment, and one dedicated Animal Bite Center.
"Residents no longer need to travel far to access treatment since these centers are now available in their localities," said Colmenares-Quiñon.
"In the first and second quarters of 2025, more centers are expected to open in Passi City, Igbaras, and Tubungan. With these facilities in place, human rabies deaths can be further prevented," she added.
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The Provincial Veterinary Office also launched a provincewide rabies vaccination drive for dogs and cats.
The province provides 70 percent of the budget for the initiative, which began in February, while the local government units take care of the 30 percent.
Colmenares-Quiñon added that trained animal vaccinators are deployed to administer vaccines, while barangay officials are urged to ensure pet owners to secure their dogs for vaccination and prevent strays from roaming freely.
"Each year, the number of animal bite cases continues to increase, along with rabies-related deaths. The risk of dying from rabies is also high, especially when more people are bitten," she said.
Based on IPHO data, Iloilo recorded 40,183 animal bite cases with 12 deaths in 2021, and 46,308 cases with four deaths in 2022.
In 2023, the province logged 72,805 cases with five deaths. The following year, the cases decreased to 70,405, with five deaths.
Colmenares-Quiñon stressed the fatal risk of rabies if left untreated and underscored the importance of timely medical intervention.
"Most of the bites were caused by dogs. It is good that we celebrate Rabies Awareness Month to remind the public about the people who have lost their lives due to rabies. Hopefully, we can put an end to these deaths," she added.
