Freedom From Rabies

We need to take a determined approach starting from the masses to the highest implementing authorities towards making India a Zero Rabies Country by 2030.

- Dr Laxmikant Gode

Rabies, a viral disease affecting terrestrial and airborne mammals, is mainly transmitted by dog and bat bites. It is classified as a zoonotic disease world over as it is transmitted to humans from animals and dog remains a main source transmitting rabies to humans and other animals in India. The disease, which is as old as human civilization and its association with dogs finds a mention even in Atharvaveda. The name might have derived from “Rabhas” in Sanskrit meaning “to Rage.” It is one of the most feared diseases after cancer where prognosis is grave in almost 100% cases. Though it has been eradicated in some parts of the world, it remains a matter of great concern in Asia, and particularly in India. More than 15 million people are bitten by dogs every year. The reported deaths are around 20,000 annually from rabies in India, which is highest anywhere in the world. It is mainly affecting the lower socioeconomic group due to their exposure to the non-vaccinated rabid dogs. Out of these, 40% dog bites are in children under age of 15.