With the aim of helping the Myanmar government’s effort to fight against rabies and the production of vaccines at fair prices, India donated 10,000 vials of anti-rabies vaccines to Myanmar, according to the Ministry of Health and Sports.  

On October 7, Dr. Sumit Seth, the Deputy Chief of Mission of Indian Embassy handed over 10,000 vials anti-rabies vaccines to Dr. Zaw Than Tun, Director-General of the Medical Research Department under the Ministry of Health and Sports. 

Both sides also discussed further cooperation in the health sector such as cooperation with the Indian Medical Research Council, sharing of knowledge on control of rabies and capacity building of doctors and health assistants, according to the Ministry of Health and Sports.

According to the figures collected in 2018, Myanmar has more than four million dogs. According to the figures from the Ministry of Health and Sports, there are 10,000 dog bites every month, said Dr. Myint Htwe, Union Minister for Health and Sports, at a coordination meeting with related organizations on rabies control, in Nay Pyi Taw. 

“According to the figures, in 2017, the number of dog bite patients reached 1,500 per month. In 2019, the number has increased to 10,000 per month. The number of dog bites has increased sharply. In the time of incumbent government from 2016-17 to 2018-19 FY, the ministry spend Ks around 15 billion—Ks around 13.72 billion for the purchase of rabies vaccines and Ks around 1.2 billion for the purchase of rabies vaccines for serious dog bite,” Dr. Myint Htwe added. 

In a bid to save Ks 13 billion for the rabies vaccine, the ministry started opening the dog bite treatment centers at Yangon People’s Hospital, Thingangyun General Hospital, Insein Hospital and North Okkalapa Teaching and General Hospital.