Davao City’s Animal Bite Treatment Center has recorded 46,000 patients this year seeking free anti-rabies vaccination, health officials confirmed Thursday.
Dr. Yleona Camelotes, head of the Animal Bite Treatment Center, said the figure nearly matches last year’s 48,000 total cases.
She noted the number reflects stronger public awareness, with more residents seeking immediate medical help to prevent rabies after animal bite incidents.
Davao currently operates 10 Animal Bite Treatment Centers — nine across city districts and one at the Southern Philippines Medical Center.
Satellite facilities are located in Toril, Mintal-Tugbok, Sasa, Calinan, Marilog, Tibungco-Bunawan, Paquibato, and Cabantian-Buhangin, aside from the main office on Magallanes Street.
Camelotes said the city government continues procuring vaccines, while the Lingap Para sa Mahirap program assists patients during shortages of medical supplies.
She added that the City Health Office regularly conducts information drives, lectures, and radio broadcasts to educate residents on rabies prevention.
“Rabies is fatal, but it is preventable if patients seek treatment immediately,” Camelotes stressed during the I-Speak Media Forum.
The City Health Office also joined World Rabies Day activities at Rizal Park on September 26 to intensify awareness campaigns.
