0
0
India has recorded a remarkable 75% reduction in rabies-related deaths in recent years, marking significant progress in the country’s fight against one of its most persistent public health threats. Despite this achievement, approximately 5,700 people still die from rabies annually, making India one of the countries with the highest number of rabies fatalities worldwide.
According to Dr. Manoj Murhekar, Director of the ICMR-National Institute of Epidemiology (ICMR-NIE), the central government has set an ambitious target to eliminate rabies deaths entirely by 2030. This initiative is part of a broader national strategy to improve public health outcomes and prevent avoidable deaths.
“We need to ensure that dogs are vaccinated. Only human vaccines will not suffice. We have data about how many animal bites are there, but we also need data about how many rabies deaths are there in dogs,” Dr. Murhekar emphasized, referencing an ICMR study published in The Lancet last year.
Rabies in India is primarily transmitted through dog bites, which account for two-thirds of the approximately 9 million animal bite cases reported each year. The government’s approach includes not only expanding the availability of human rabies vaccines but also increasing vaccination coverage among animals, especially dogs.
Currently, rabies vaccines are available in 80% of health facilities. The government aims to extend this coverage to all hospitals nationwide. Dr. Murhekar highlighted the importance of making monoclonal antibody vaccines—fast-acting, lab-made proteins that provide immediate protection—available in peripheral health facilities, not just medical colleges.
The government is also adopting a ‘One Health’ approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Improved surveillance in animals and wider vaccine availability are key components of this strategy.
The urgency of these efforts was underscored by the recent death of 22-year-old Kabaddi player Brijesh Solanki from Uttar Pradesh, who succumbed to rabies weeks after being bitten by a puppy and not receiving post-exposure prophylaxis.
Dr. Murhekar reiterated the government’s commitment: “The goal is to make the rabies vaccine available in all hospitals across the country”.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information reported by India Today as of July 3, 2025. The data and statements referenced herein reflect the situation and expert opinions at the time of publication and may be subject to change as new information becomes available.
