Rabies in the world and the Zero by 30 strategy

Rabies is a viral disease that occurs in more than 150 countries worldwide. According to the World Health Organisation, this zoonotic disease causes an estimated 59 000 human deaths each year, with 95% occuring in Africa and Asia. The most common route of transmission is through the bite of an infected dog. The disease is preventable by vaccination, and effective prophylaxis is also available after animal bite injury. However, if the patient develops clinical signs, the disease is almost always fatal. The aim of this brief report is to summarise information on the global impact of rabies and to present the Zero by 30 strategy, which aims to achieve the elimination of human deaths due to rabies transmission from infected dogs by 2030.