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