The United Nations reported a major public health initiative in Haiti aimed at combating rabies through mass dog vaccination and community outreach. The campaign follows a tragic incident in Butête, southern Haiti, where a nine-year-old boy died from rabies after a dog bite one of four confirmed human deaths this year.

Key Actions Taken:

• 140,000 dogs vaccinated across four departments: Artibonite, Centre, Nord-Est, and Nord-Ouest.
• 480 veterinary teams deployed with mobile apps to track vaccinations in real time.
• Post-exposure care provided to affected families and communities.
• Surveillance and response teams mobilized by Haiti’s Ministry of Public Health and supported by PAHO/WHO.

The campaign aims to achieve 80% coverage among the dog population to drastically reduce rabies transmission. Health workers, including “labo-moto” teams on motorbikes, are reaching remote areas to educate communities and administer vaccines.

Dr. Oscar Barreneche, PAHO/WHO representative in Haiti, emphasized that “rabies is lethal, but 100 per cent preventable,” highlighting the importance of canine vaccination to protect human lives especially children.

Despite Haiti’s ongoing challenges including political instability and limited healthcare access the initiative marks a significant step toward long-term resilience and public health awareness.