Rabies is endemic in the Philippines where it causes 200-250 deaths each year. The national control programme has reduced rabies incidence, but use of life-saving post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is still costly and surveillance needs strengthening to confirm and maintain freedom in areas where control efforts have eliminated rabies.

SPEEDIER aims to introduce revised surveillance protocols (Integrated Bite Case Management - IBCM):

To increase case detection
To improve PEP use
To benefit from state-of-the-art technology (mobile apps, portable sequencing)
To guide the national control programme
Evaluate the process of implementation, the influence of context, and mechanisms of action on outcome
Develop a replicable package for scaling up IBCM using best practice and a proven cost-effective template for verifying and sustaining rabies freedom

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SPEEDIER

Surveillance integrating Phylogenetics and Epidemiology for Elimination of Disease: Evaluation of Rabies Control in the Philippines