Rabies Vaccination Drive 2023

India's Rabies crisis

India faces a grave public health crisis with approximately 20,000 rabies deaths each year. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), India is endemic for rabies, accounting for a staggering 36% of global rabies-related deaths. Shockingly, 30-60% of these cases involve children under 15, as bites often go unnoticed and unreported.

The Rabies Statistics

20,000 rabies deaths each year.

30-60% of these cases involve children under 15.

95-99% of all human rabies cases result from dog bites. India records an estimated 17.4 million dog bites annually. By eliminating rabies in dogs, we can prevent nearly all human rabies deaths globally, saving over 59,000 lives each year.

Rabies Prevention

Rabies is a 99% fatal disease but 100% preventable through vaccination. Eliminating rabies requires sustained vaccination over multiple years and sterilizing the stray dog population. Unfortunately, India resorted to the organized, inhumane mass killing of dogs, believing it would curb rabies. But it does nothing to halt the spread of rabies, and dogs repopulated. Goa is India’s first and only state to become Rabies-free for four years. Thanks to Mission Rabies, World Veterinary Services Goa, and Dogstrust Worldwide. They proved that achieving 70% vaccination coverage leads to eliminating the disease.

Rabies prevention alternatives and their effectiveness

Post-bite vaccines aren't readily available in resource-poor countries like India, where the average cost is $49—often unaffordable for families earning just $1-$2 daily. In contrast, dog vaccination costs only $3, offering a cost-effective solution to rabies elimination compared to post-exposure treatment.

Rabies Drive Importance

Rabies prevention isn't only about saving lives; it's also about eradicating the disease in dogs, a crucial step in preventing human transmission and safeguarding communities.

SAFI Rabies Vaccination Drive for International Rabies Day

For World Rabies Day on Sept 28th, Stray Animal Foundation of India vaccinates 1000 street dogs in Hyderabad city.

It is focussed on both dog and human health. The drive also educates and reminds people what to do if they get bit. Sterilizing and vaccinating dogs reduce conflicts between humans and dogs, while education empowers people to act promptly if bitten.

Organizing this drive is no easy task. We meticulously plan, engage volunteers, and employ skilled teams with trained dog catchers, vaccinators, record keepers, and paint appliers to mark vaccinated dogs.

To vaccinate 1000 dogs, we need two teams. Each of our two teams has at least one dog catcher, a vaccinator, a record keeper, and someone who applies paint to the dog once it is vaccinated so we do not vaccinate the same dog twice. If the dog cannot be caught by a local feeder or by using treats to bribe them, our trained catchers use their skills to trap them with a net.

We record how many dogs are vaccinated per area, if they are male or female, and if they have been spayed/neutered or not. The goal is to hit at least 70% of the dogs in each area. 70% is the number needed to eradicate rabies.

Conclusion

In conclusion, rabies prevention is a pressing mission in India, given its alarming mortality rates. The Stray Animal Foundation of India is committed to eradicating rabies by vaccinating dogs, and sterilizing and educating communities.

Supporting our vaccination drive contributes to saving human and canine lives and fosters a safer, healthier India. Together, we can eliminate rabies and create a better future for all living beings.

Thank you for your support, and let's work together for a rabies-free India.

Links:

• Rabies Drive Info