The Davao City Animal Bite Treatment Center has reported a significant increase in patients seeking free anti-rabies vaccinations at its animal bite centers across the city.
High Patient Numbers
Dr. Yleona T. Camelotes, head of the CHO Animal Bite Treatment, revealed during a recent ISpeak Media forum that the latest data shows patient numbers have reached 46,000. "Last year we assisted 48,000 for the whole year; this means that help is at hand and we have helped more people," she stated. Camelotes noted that public awareness has grown, with more people recognizing the importance of immediate care for animal bites to prevent rabies.
Expanded Access to Treatment
Davao City now operates 10 Animal Bite Treatment Centers (ABTCs): nine within the city and one at the Southern Philippines Medical Center. "Help is getting closer because we have many satellite centers in Davao," Camelotes said. The main center is on Magallanes Street, with satellite facilities in Toril, Mintal-Tugbok, Sasa, Calinan, Marilog District Hospital, Tibungco-Bunawan, Paquibato District Hospital, and Cabantian-Buhangin.
Vaccine Procurement and Support
The city government continues to procure vaccines. In case of shortages, the Lingap Para sa Mahirap program assists patients with purchasing medicines.
Advocacy and Education
As part of anti-rabies advocacy, the health office conducts lectures, radio broadcasts, interviews, and community teaching to combat misinformation and promote timely first-aid measures for animal bites. "We conducted lectures, radio broadcasts, interviews, and we also teach in the community," Camelotes explained.
She emphasized that rabies, while fatal, is preventable. On September 26, 2025, the City Health Office participated in World Rabies Day activities at Rizal Park.
