JICA and DOH Sign Agreement to Strengthen Nationwide Rabies Response
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Department of Health (DOH) have signed the Records of Discussions to formalize the Project for the Implementation of Rapid Rabies Diagnosis and Rapid Response Nationwide, strengthening the Philippines’ efforts to eliminate rabies, focusing on faster diagnosis and quicker response at the community level.
IMAGE from Japan International Cooperation Agency
Signed on April 23, 2026, by JICA Chief Representative BABA Takashi and DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, the project will be implemented over five years, with a focus on improving early detection of rabies cases, enabling rapid response, and strengthening prevention measures nationwide.
IMAGE from Japan International Cooperation Agency
While rabies is preventable, it remains a continuing public and animal health concern in the Philippines. In 2025, the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Animal Industries (DA-BAI), recorded 1,321 confirmed canine rabies cases nationwide, while DOH recorded 426 deaths due to rabies, highlighting the need to further strengthen ongoing national efforts. Challenges such as gaps in animal control, limited public awareness, and delays in postexposure treatment continue to affect outcomes, particularly in underserved communities.
The new JICA project builds on the achievements of the previous Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development (SATREPS) project, the “Establishment of One Health Prevention and Treatment Network Model for Rabies Elimination in the Philippines” or more commonly known as the Japan–Philippines One Health Project (JAPOHR, 2018–2023), which introduced rapid diagnostic tools, including Lateral Flow Device kits that allow quicker detection of rabies in animals at the local level, and developed the Rabies Data Sharing System (RaDSS) for faster reporting and information sharing.
By expanding the use of these tools, the new project aims to strengthen surveillance, support quicker local response, and improve coordination through a One Health approach that links animal and human health systems. The project targets training in 90% of Regional DOH, DA-BAI and Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (RADDL) offices. Health workers nationwide will be better equipped to respond quickly to suspected cases, while strengthened
laboratory analysis will contribute to utilization of the RaDSS, with at least 60% of target provinces expected to continue utilizing it to report rabies cases after project completion.
The effort further complements ongoing health campaigns such as the “Campaign Towards a Rabies-Free Philippines: Integrated Action for Safer Communities” and supports the global goal of “Zero by 30,” which aims to end human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030.
JICA reaffirms its commitment to supporting the Philippines in strengthening health systems, enhancing prevention and response capacities and promoting community-level action, building on JICA’s broader health cooperation, including the on-going “Project Strengthening the Philippine National Health Laboratory Network for Infectious Diseases (PHeLNIDs) and incoming project “Project for Strengthening the Implementation of the Updated Philippine Package of Essential Non-Communicable Disease Interventions for Primary Health Care Protocol” (PhilPEN), toward healthier and more resilient communities.
The project underscores the enduring partnership between Philippines and Japan as the two countries celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations, while also reflecting JICA’s longstanding commitment to supporting health sector development and strengthening health systems in the Philippines.
About JICA:
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is an administrative agency of the Government of Japan that implements Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA). JICA remains steadfast in supporting socio-economic development through its ODA activities in over 140 developing countries and regions in the world.
For more information on JICA and JICA Philippines’ activities, please log on to https://www.jica.go.jp/english and https://www.jica.go.jp/philippine/english/index.html. Follow their Facebook page for more updates.
