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Rabies Symposium, St. Mary's Hospital, Waterbury, CT. May 2008
RFW was proud to help coordinate a one day Rabies Symposium for over 100 physicians, nurses, medical providers, residents and students.

Dr. Beatriz Quiambao, Chief of the Clinical Research Division of the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine (RITM) in the Philippines spoke about the global problems of rabies. She highlighted the unfortunate situation for many of the world’s poor who are at increased risk from this dreaded disease. Children, in particular, were noted to be vulnerable.

Dr. Charles Rupprecht, Chief of the Rabies Division at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) gave the keynote lecture on clinical aspects of rabies. He recounted the miraculous story of Jeanna Giese, the only unvaccinated rabies survivor. He described ongoing efforts to protect the American public through educational and preventative activities, after which a lively discussion between the clinicians and scientists in attendance took place.

An RFW booth was staffed with volunteers to help raise awareness about the impact of rabies in and beyond the US, and the work we are doing to reduce rabies suffering. We look forward to continuing rabies education efforts throughout this year. Look for our ‘Stop the Madness’ campaign rolling out this summer on the lead up to World Rabies Day on September 28th.
Ü Flyers
Ü RFW Slideshow

Coming Soon: RITA XIX, Atlanta, 2008

OIE/WHO/EU International Conference, Paris, May 2007
Dr. Stephen Scholand presented information about RFW's cell phone project at The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) meeting in Paris, 2007.  The use of cell phones to disseminate information about rabies in the Philippines is cost-effective and utilizes a popular communications format. We're hoping other countries endemic for rabies can adapt this project for their own anti-rabies efforts.
Available Downloads:
A Rabies Cell Phone Advisory System: A Culturally Targeted Tool Designed to Reduce Human Rabies Suffering in The Philippines
Ü Abstract
Ü Poster

RITA - Rabies In The Americas Conference XVII, Brazil, 2006
At the 17th RITA Conference in Brasília, Dr. Maria T. Alera and her colleagues from San Lazaro Hospital in Manila presented information about the human rabies patients seen at San Lazaro over the past 20 years. Studying the clinical features of rabies gives insights into potential treatments of these patients.

RITA - Rabies In The Americas Conference XVI, Ottawa, 2005
RFW attended the sixteenth annual Rabies In The Americas which was well received among delegates from all over the Americas, Asia, Africa, Europe who met for an intensive week of discussions. The highlight of the conference was the appearance of Jeanna Giese and her family at the Gala dinner.
Available Downloads:
Ü Program and Abstracts Book 

3rd European Meeting on Viral Zoonoses, France, May, 2005
The results of a pilot study to assess levels of rabies knowledge among doctors and the lay public were presented by Dr. Stephen Scholand of RFW at the 3rd European Meeting on Viral Zoonoses, May, 2005 in St. Raphaël, France. The findings showed that more education about rabies for both doctors and the public would be beneficial. Also, various educational formats for information dissemination were examined -- it seemed a documentary on rabies would be a useful educational tool.
Available Downloads:
A Pilot Study of the ‘Rabies Knowledge Assessment’ Survey Among Physicians and the Public
Ü Abstract