Rabies Hyperimmune Plasma Donation Awareness Campaign

Human Rabies immunoglobulin is a scarce resource worldwide, with the number of hyperimmune donors being a limiting factor. Annually, rabies is responsible for 70 000 human deaths across the globe. These deaths are preventable with the correct and timeous administration of post-exposure prophylaxis. The need for hyperimmune rabies plasma donors is currently at its greatest. This One Health initiative aims to raise awareness towards the rabies immunoglobulin donation program with an additional goal of registering new plasma donors. The project will involve collaboration with the South African National Blood Service, to educate and facilitate enrolment. Enrolment into the donation program is going to be further encouraged through a competition. The competition will run from December 2018 to December 2019. In this time, the donors are able to donate up to twice a month, with the top three donors receiving one of three study prizes over a year period.