United against rabies: Lao PDR strengthens efforts to protect people and animals

Ministry of Health and Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, development partners and communities in Vientiane Capital joined together to mark World Rabies Day 2026, renewing their commitment to eliminate dog-mediated human rabies deaths by 2030 through strengthened collaboration, prevention and community engagement.

In Lao PDR, rabies remains a public health and animal health concern. Gaps in dog vaccination coverage, limited awareness in some communities and challenges in coordination continue to place people and animals at risk. Rabies is a deadly but preventable disease. Through dog vaccination, timely treatment after exposure and community awareness, rabies deaths can be eliminated.

The World Rabies Day event brought together representatives from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, village authorities, development partners, health workers, veterinarians, students and community members. Activities included public awareness raising and free-of-charge pet vaccination services to promote practical actions that protect both people and animals.

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The event highlighted the importance of the One Health approach, which recognizes the links between human, animal and environmental health. Through collaboration across sectors, Lao PDR continues to strengthen surveillance, improve access to life-saving prevention and treatment, and expand efforts to vaccinate dogs against rabies.

“No one should die from rabies,” said Dr Phayvanh Keopaseuth, Vice Minister of Health. “By strengthening prevention, timely treatment and public awareness, we can protect communities and achieve our goal of zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies.”

“Vaccinating dogs is the most effective way to stop rabies at its source,” said Dr Souphavanh Keovilay, Deputy Director General of the Department of Livestock and Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. “Through a One Health approach, we are working together to protect both animal and human health.”

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Global evidence shows that vaccinating at least 70% of dogs in at-risk communities can stop transmission and save lives. Continued investment in dog vaccination campaigns, responsible pet ownership and community awareness will be critical to achieving the goal of zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030.

“World Rabies Day serves as an important reminder that everyone has a role to play in preventing rabies,” said Dr Satoko Otsu, on behalf of WHO Lao PDR. “Together, we can ensure that everyone exposed to a suspected rabid animal has access to the information and care they need.”

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Health Organization (WHO), WOAH and other partners continue to support Lao PDR through technical assistance, awareness raising, strengthened surveillance and multisectoral coordination. FAO with other partners are also supporting the Government of Lao PDR in revising the National Strategic Plan on Rabies Prevention and Control for 2026–2030, while strengthening veterinary services, disease surveillance, laboratory capacity, risk communication and coordinated One Health action.

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“Eliminating rabies requires stopping transmission at its animal source while ensuring that people receive the information and care they need,” said Ms Kyung-Mee Kim, FAO Representative to Lao PDR. “FAO remains committed to supporting the Government of Lao PDR in strengthening dog vaccination, disease surveillance, veterinary services and coordinated One Health action, including support to the National Strategic Plan on Rabies Prevention and Control for 2026–2030.”

As Lao PDR works towards the global goal of ending human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030, sustained commitment and partnership will be critical to ensuring that everyone is safe from this preventable disease.