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

Ashwath Narayana D H; Poornima M K; Sudarshan M K

Ashwath Narayana D H Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Bangalore, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5467-1796
Poornima M K Senior Resident, Department of Community Medicine, Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Bangalore, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5467-1796
Sudarshan M K Ex. Director, Retired Dean/Principal, Professor & HOD, Department of Community Medicine, Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Bangalore, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5467-1796

Keywords: APCRI, Awareness, Elimination, India, Online survey, Rabies

Abstract

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

References

World Health Organization. Rabies in India [Internet]. WHO India; [cited 2025 Feb 11]. Available from: https://www.who.int/india/health-topics/rabies

World Health Organization. Rabies [Internet]. Geneva: World Health Organization; [cited 2025 Feb 11].

Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/rabies