Each September 28, the international community is mobilizing on the occasion of World Rage Day. This symbolic date pays tribute to Louis Pasteur, pioneer of the anti -rabic vaccine, and recalls that this viral disease remains today present in many countries.
Inventory of rabies in France and in the world
Table of Contents
Rage remains a major public health problem in the world, In particular in Asia, South America and Africa, which concentrate almost 95 % of deaths. Transmitted by the saliva of infected animals, including dogs, bats and other mammals such as monkeys. Rage is mainly spread through bite, it is deadly for humans.
In France, rage has been unscathed since 2001 And the rare cases reported exclusively concern people bitten abroad, in still endemic areas. The international community has been mobilizing for several years in the face of this still present scourge in certain developing countries.
In 2015, a tripartite conference with FAO (Organization for Food and Agriculture), WHO (World Health Organization) and the World Animal Health Organization (OMSA) met for Coordinate an eradication procedure for canine rage. In 2018, a global strategic plan was adopted, with the objective of putting an end to human deaths linked to the rage transmitted by dogs by 2030.
Rage figures
- Rabic encephalitis represents 95% of the global deaths of rabies.
- Rage is present today in more than 150 countries.
- 99 % of human cases are due to dog bites.
- 40 % of victims are children under the age of 15.
What prevention actions against rabies?
One of the main challenges remains the lack of information of populations at risk, in particular on vaccination ddogs et The gestures to be adopted in the event of a bite.
During a bite, by a contaminated animal or not, you must first wash the wound with water and soap for at least 15 minutes immediately and abundantly, disinfect it, then consult an anti -rabic center without delay. There vaccination post-exposition is extremely effective, if administered quickly, it blocks the progression of the virus and prevents the development of the disease.
In many regions, the lack of control of dog reproduction promotes the circulation of the virus. So there mass vaccination of dogs constitutes the most effective measure to interrupt transmission and protect populations.
In addition, anti -rabic vaccination is compulsory in France for dogs and catsit is highly recommended for travelers in the event of extended stay in a country at risk.
September 28 World Rage Day: the planned actions
World Rage Day has been taking place since 2007, every September 28. A date that marks the anniversary of the death of Louis Pasteur recognized for his discovery of the rabies vaccine.
It is coordinated by the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC), a non -profit organization that works to strengthen the fight against rabies in regions where it remains endemic. This day aims above all to remember that rabies is a disease that can be controlled. The international campaign pursues several essential objectives:
- Awareness of populations to the fact that rabies is a public health problem that can be resolved.
- Inform and educate the inhabitants of endemic areas, in particular children and health professionals, on prevention means and gestures to be adopted in the event of an exhibition.
- Mobilize resources to support and strengthen local mass vaccination programs for animals and humans.
In 2025, the theme was “Let’s act: you, me, the community”a call to individual and collective responsibility. This campaign encourages in particular the vaccination of dogs, the organization of educational events of the population and active participation in local campaigns, in order to advance together towards the decrease in the number of deaths caused by rabies.
To achieve this objective, the GARC organizes actions each year around three axes:
- The provision of educational tools via a dedicated website, in order to facilitate the implementation of local initiatives;
- promotion and communication around the campaign, in particular thanks to a logo translated in more than 50 languages and the use of social networks like Facebook and Twitter;
- The choice of a central theme to federate prevention messages.
Sources
– World Health Organization, Rabies – Information sheet. . www.who.int. Accessed September 24, 2025.
– Global Alliance for Rabies Control, Rabies Alliance (official website). . rabiesalliance.org. Accessed September 24, 2025.
Was this article useful to you?
Thank you for your opinion!
