Malapascua, Camotes declared rabies-free

THE declaration of two islets in Cebu as rabies-free zones is attributed to the implementation of the Expanded Green and Wholesome Environment that Nurtures or eGwen program, says a Capitol official.

Provincial Veterinarian Mary Rose Vincoy told Cebu Daily News eGwen is one of the major factors that contributed to the declaration of Malapascua and Camotes islets as “rabies-free” zones.

EGwen, a province-wide contest, seeks to recognize towns and cities under the Cebu provincial government based on their performance in categories like environment, health, governance and heritage.

Vincoy said the inclusion of rabies eradication into the eGwen program’s “health and sanitation” scorecard encouraged the local government units to strive to become rabies-free community and receive the award.

Based on the report of the provincial health office, the two islets have no rabies cases in humans and dogs for the past two years and achieved anti-rabies vaccination coverage among humans at 70 percent and above — two major feats that led to their recognition.

Vincoy and Integrated Provincial Health Officer Dr. Cristina Giango flew to Manila to receive the national recognition from the Department of Health (DOH).

“Based on the dog head samples, walay mga positive cases. Ang ilang ordinance must be in line with the rabies welfare act, bantay rabies in their respective barangays and implementation of other rabies prevention project,” Vincoy told CDN.

Vincoy said that rabies cases in Cebu continue to decrease. Cebu province, one of the recipients of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s project, has available anti-rabies vaccines.

Vincoy said that in June they were able to conduct a simultaneous massive vaccination against rabies.

Also previously declared as rabies free by the DOH were Siquijor province, Batanes Group of Islands and Apo Island. /Correspondent Carmel Loise Matus