The WHO delivered 5500 vials of immunoglobulin to Ukraine for emergency rabies prophylaxis
The delivery was funded by Norad at the request of the Ministry of Health, and the distribution across regions is managed by the Public Health Center of Ukraine
A shipment of 5500 vials of rabies immunoglobulin for emergency rabies prophylaxis has been delivered to Ukraine; the delivery was made as humanitarian aid by the World Health Organization with the support of the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation at the request of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine.
The received medicines will be directed to healthcare facilities in the regions that provide rabies care; distribution among the regions will start on 1 June and is coordinated by the Public Health Center of Ukraine.
Rabies immunoglobulin is not given to all victims of animal bites, but only when the risk of infection is high — in particular in cases of severe or multiple injuries, wounds to the head, neck or hands, as well as when saliva comes into contact with mucous membranes.
Medical professionals emphasize that rabies is a deadly infection, however timely medical attention and post-exposure prophylaxis can completely prevent the disease from developing.
Vaccination against rabies remains the primary method of protection, and if necessary a doctor may additionally prescribe rabies immunoglobulin; the choice of prophylaxis regimen is determined exclusively by a specialist after an individual risk assessment.
In case of a bite, scratch or saliva contamination, it is recommended to immediately wash the contact site with water and soap for at least 15 minutes, treat it with an antiseptic and seek medical help as soon as possible.
Specialized rabies treatment offices and centers, equipped with the necessary vaccines and preventive medicines, have been designated in all regions of Ukraine.
Earlier we wrote:
- No medicines, but protection exists: rabies vaccine is available in Mykolaiv healthcare facilities
- Quarantine due to rabies: a pet dog became the “trigger” for restrictions and urgent vaccinations in Mykolaiv region
- A dog suspected of rabies bit two people in Mykolaiv region
- Two doses for the entire region: Mykolaiv region was left without rabies medicines
- Animals have already bitten 179 Mykolaiv residents in 2024; most received rabies vaccinations
