Int'l bodies give rabies vaccine

Int'l bodies give rabies vaccine

AMBON, Maluku: Two international bodies have provided the
Maluku health agency with rabies vaccine, following an outbreak
of the disease on Ambon island, a local official said on Friday.

"The Doctors Without Borders (MSF) sent 40 vials of rabies
vaccine and the World Health Organization (WHO) will provide the
same vaccine based on the need," head of the agency Ristianto
Sugiono said.

At least 13 of the 700 people bitten by dogs in Ambon have
died since July, he said.

WHO officials based in Jakarta have been visiting Ambon to
discuss the international body's assistance for the Ambonese, the
doctor said.

Ristianto also said the Directorate General for Animal Health
had provided 31,500 vials of rabies vaccine, to be administered
to dogs in Ambon. --Antara