"This Report was developed by compiling the information provided at the WHO Consultative Meeting on Rabies and Envenomings: a Neglected Public Health Issue that took place at WHO, Geneva on 10 January 2007"--T.p. verso.

Includes bibliographical references.

The aim of this consultative meeting was to discuss strategies for improving the quality and quantity of therapeutic antisera, essential drugs for the effective treatment of suspected rabid dog bites and envenoming by snake bites and scorpion stings. Inadequacies in the efficacy, safety and production of these antisera have created a major global public health crisis, especially in Africa and Asia. Each year, millions of people are bitten by dogs or snakes or stung by scorpions and the failure to provide antisera costs at least 150,000 lives and at least as many cases of permanent physical handicap. The solution to this crisis demands an international effort to promote transfer of technology to affected countries, to improve standards through the WHO's prequalification scheme and to facilitate distribution of antisera and training of medical personnel in their optimal use.--Publisher's description.

Electronic reproduction. Palo Alto, Calif. : ebrary, 2009. Available via World Wide Web. Access may be limited to ebrary affiliated libraries.