Govt allocates Rp 158.6b to curb spread of rabies

Govt allocates Rp 158.6b to curb spread of rabies
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Fri, 02/04/2011 3:01 PM | National

The government has allocated a total of Rp 158.6 billion (approximately US$17.6 million) to curb the spread of rabies over the next two years.

Agriculture Ministry director general for livestock and health Prabowo R. Caturuso said the largest portion of the funds would go to Bali, North Sumatra’s Nias Island, and Maluku’s West Maluku Tenggara, given their “emergency” rabies status.

“These areas recorded the highest numbers people being bitten by dogs,” Prabowo said Friday, as reported by kontan.co.id.

Of the funding, Bali will receive Rp 44.6 billion in 2011 and Rp 38.5 billion in 2012; Nias Rp 27.5 billion in 2011 and Rp 24.5 billion in 2012, and West Maluku Tenggara Rp 13.5 billion in 2011 and Rp 11 billion in 2012.

The funds are expected to be used to purchase rabies vaccines, and to monitor and evaluate the implementation of prevention programs.

Bali recorded the highest number cases, with more than 57,800 people bitten by dogs and 119 dead from rabies in 2010. Nias reported more than 1,100 people bitten by dogs and 26 deaths. West Maluku Tenggara reported 359 dog bites and 20 deaths.

Nationwide, the figures stood at more than 74,800 people being bitten, and 195 deaths from the disease.