WHO plans to increase treatment access for victims of rabies and snake bites

Today the WHO said that Although more than 12 million people each year are bitten by dogs or snakes, or stung by scorpions, the world's capacity to treat them is inadequate. Effective treatment for these conditions is critically dependent on therapeutic sera, but this essential drug is often unavailable or unaffordable in the countries where it is most needed. The World Health Organization (WHO) is creating a five-year plan to boost production in developing countries, help authorities forecast market needs and strengthen regulatory capacity. On 10 January, the health agency will bring together the top experts in the area as well as recipient and donor countries, international organizations and manufacturers to agree to a global action plan. While Rabies is rare among people in the USA it can be a problem for many Americans travelling abroad.