Towards rabies elimination: national and global strategies for a rabies-free future

abies remains a major public health challenge in India, causing an estimated 18,000 to 20,000 deaths each year and making up nearly one-third of global human rabies fatalities. Mainly transmitted through dog bites, this deadly yet entirely preventable disease affects millions, with reported animal bite cases increasing from 4.2 million in 2012 to 7.2 million in 2019. Despite the existence of effective vaccines and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), many victims, particularly in rural areas, do not receive timely medical treatment, exposing gaps in awareness, access, and surveillance. India’s efforts to fight rabies have advanced through initiatives like the National Rabies Control Programme (NRCP) and the National Action Plan for Rabies Elimination (NAPRE), which focus on vaccination, public education, and inter-sectoral cooperation. Globally, the “Zero by 30” initiative aims to eliminate dog-mediated human rabies deaths by 2030, demonstrating the strength of collective action.