DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines—The Negros Oriental government and health officials have set a zero target for human deaths due to rabies for the rest of the year after the viral disease killed two persons for the first half of this year.

In 2008, rabies killed four persons in Negros Oriental.

During the midyear assessment on rabies situation in the province on Monday, Negros Oriental provincial veterinarian Antonio Mutia said the chiefs of district hospitals in Negros Oriental and the local officials promised to establish animal bite centers in their respective districts where people bitten by dogs and other animals could seek treatment.

Dr. Mutia said an animal bite center has been set up in Bindoy District Hospital in the first district of Negros Oriental and similar facilities would be established in Siaton District Hospital and Bayawan District Hospital, both in the third district.

"If they (hospitals) cannot put up the center this year due to lack of funds, local government units concerned may incorporate the required amount in their annual budget for next year," Mutia said.

At present, dog-bite victims have to go to the Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital in Dumaguete City for treatment.

"Those who are very far from Dumaguete may just opt to seek treatment from quack doctor putting their lives at great risk," he said.

Mutia also said that vaccination of dogs would continue since the provincial government has purchased some 12,000 doses of rabies vaccines.

But he urged local government units to allocate money for the purchase of additional vaccines.

"Everybody has committed to support the campaign against rabies. That is why it is possible to attain the zero human death target," Mutia said.