Sumbawa Struggles to Exit Rabies Outbreak Status

Sumbawa Regency, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), continues to face significant challenges in revoking its Extraordinary Event (KLB) status for rabies. The situation is driven by several crucial factors, ranging from a high population of Rabies-Transmitting Animals (HPR) to vaccination coverage that has yet to reach the ideal target for establishing herd immunity. One of the main obstacles in handling rabies in Sumbawa is the vastness of the region and the large population of dogs, particularly free-roaming or unconfined animals. Based on compiled data, elimination efforts and mass vaccination are continuously carried out by the local government through relevant agencies, yet the high mobility of HPR between areas often triggers new cases in zones previously considered safe. To exit the KLB status, a region ideally must achieve a minimum vaccination coverage of 70 per cent of the total HPR population. However, limited vaccine stocks and access to remote areas remain technical hurdles for which the Sumbawa Regency Government and the NTB Provincial Government are continually seeking solutions. The prolonged KLB status has heightened public awareness. Bite cases are still reported in several sub-districts, necessitating the sustained availability of Anti-Rabies Vaccine (VAR) and Anti-Rabies Serum (SAR) at health facilities. The local government continues to encourage active community participation in reporting bite cases and bringing pets to vaccination posts. Additionally, regulations concerning inter-island animal traffic are being tightened to prevent the entry of the rabies virus from other regions. Collaborative efforts between the government, animal lover communities, and the general public are key to enabling Sumbawa to soon downgrade its KLB status and become a rabies-free zone.