Chile achieves WHO validation for eliminating dog-transmitted rabies

Chile has become the first country in South America to be validated by the World Health Organization (WHO) for eliminating dog-to-human rabies as a public health problem. This milestone follows more than five decades of sustained effort in prevention and epidemiological surveillance, as the last recorded case of human rabies transmitted by a dog in the country occurred in 1972.

To achieve this international recognition, Chile demonstrated the absence of sustained cases and maintained robust systems for laboratory diagnosis, vaccination, and emergency response. Key strategies included door-to-door canine vaccination campaigns, pet population management, and community education initiatives.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described the achievement as “historic,” noting that Chile’s success provides valuable lessons for other nations working to end deaths from this preventable disease. Chilean Health Minister May Chomali emphasized that the certification is the result of long-term public policy and collaborative work between the government, municipalities, and local communities.