Elimination of Dog-mediated Human Rabies by 2030 from India: A Cross-sectional Online Survey to Assess the Awareness of Rabies Elimination Strategies among Members Affiliated with the Association for Prevention and Control of Rabies in India

Introduction: In December 2015, the World Health Organization gave a global call for the elimination of dog-mediated human rabies by 2030. In accordance with this, on 28th September, 2021 the Government of India launched the National Action Plan for Dog-Mediated Human Rabies Elimination from India by 2030.Objective: To study the awareness of rabies elimination strategies among medical & veterinary professionals affiliated with the Association for Prevention and Control of Rabies in India regarding rabies prophylaxis, prevention of dog rabies, and elimination of dog-mediated human rabies by 2030 from India.Methods: A pretested Google questionnaire consisting of 10 questions was sent via WhatsApp group of 267 members affiliated with APCRI, of whom 108 responded, yielding a response rate of 40.4% in June 2023.Results: The median age of respondents was 48 years, the majority were males (66%) and medical professionals (74%). 88% responded that they were aware that intradermal rabies vaccination is as effective as intramuscular rabies vaccination, and 72% mentioned that rabies monoclonal antibodies are as good as rabies immunoglobulin. 82% responded that mass dog vaccination is an effective method for the elimination of rabies in dog populations. 82% mentioned that rabies vaccines should be supplied free of cost under the Universal Immunization Programme. However, only 32% of respondents were confident of India eliminating dog mediated human rabies by 2030.Conclusion: The awareness among members affiliated with APCRI regarding rabies prophylaxis and prevention of dog rabies is satisfactory but diverse with respect to the elimination of dog-mediated human rabies by 2030 from India. How to cite this article: Narayana D H A, Poornima M K, Sudarshan M K. Elimination of Dog-mediated Human Rabies by 2030 from India: A Cross-sectional Online Survey to Assess the Awareness of Rabies Elimination Strategies among Members Affiliated with the Association for Prevention and Control of Rabies in India. APCRI J. 2025; 27(1): 5-11. DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/0973.5038.202506