Counterfeit anti-rabies vaccine as a neglected issue: a manufacturers’ perspective

Rabies is a neglected viral disease that kills nearly 70 000 humans annually, majorly in Africa and Asia. Ingress of compromised counterfeit anti-rabies vaccine raises global concern. Counterfeit vaccine has formulation, packaging, labelling, and supply-chain discrepancies. The sales and purchase of vaccines may need due vigilance through market surveillance to identify and seize to protect from potential harms. Strict regulations and improved monitoring systems may be implemented to counter cold chain failures and illegal activities. Consistent community engagement programs and patient advocacy on rabies to share knowledge and gaps toward sustainable outcomes was needed. “Block-chain” could revamp the existing system to support and enable supply chain management and eliminate illegal activities. To meet the vision of zero human rabies deaths by 2030, issues on strong intervention and collaborative response from all stakeholders could be considered on priority.