RABIES OUR OLDEST ENEMY – TAKE CARE TO ELIMINATE
Today,28 September is World Rabies Day celebrated worldwide to honour Louis Pasteur, who developed first rabies vaccine and also the father of vaccinology. Rabies, the oldest disease known to mankind, is a fatal disease but it has made Louis Pasteur immortal. For the knowledge of common man let us recount the achievement of Louis Pasteur whose invention has saved millions of life globally. He developed rabies vaccine and his first experiment was on a 9-year boy named Joseph Meister on July 6, 1885. Over the years rabies vaccine underwent several improvements to make it safer and less irksome for people undergoing pre and post-exposure vaccination. Let us throw some light on rabies. Rabies, a devastating zoonotic disease, has ravaged humanity for over 4,000 years, claiming approximately 59,000 lives annually in Asia and Africa. Its local names, in Odisha, and India is “Jalla Aatanka” or “Jalantak” that evokes fear and desperation for water. Dogs are chief source of rabies but nevertheless some animals transmit rabies too such as vampire bats, jackals, foxes and those who are already affected through their bite. The saliva carries the virus.The theme for the World Rabies Day,2024 is Breaking Rabies Boundaries.
This ancient scourge continues to plague 150 countries, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations in developing nations, where 99% of human deaths occur, and perpetuating a cycle of poverty, suffering, and inequality. The rabies landscape is stark: 99% of dogs globally are infected, leading to 95% of human deaths, with Asia bearing the brunt of the share of 60% of human rabies deaths with India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan being the hardest-hit. India alone accounts for 33% of these tragic losses, while Africa shoulders 36% of global human rabies deaths, with Nigeria, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo most severely affected. This scenario emphasises that the undeveloped and developed countries where poverty is galore are more vulnerable to rabies – calling for rabies awareness programme. To combat this virulent disease, a multifaceted strategy integrating cutting-edge research, hands-on experience, and expert knowledge is vital. Focus on collaborative work in human and animal health sectors to eliminate the rabies dread through innovative technologies, constant community engagement, regulating stray dog population and continued mass vaccination of community and pet dogs is crucial.
health department of the state Animal Birth Control (ABC) program has proven partially effective in reducing stray animal population and simultaneous vaccination regime has reduced the incidence of rabies and helped in minimising human-animal conflicts. ABC programme is limited to certain civic body governed areas and yet to reach rural pockets from where most dog bites are reported. To contain dog menace, dog parenting is a novel way to reduce the conflict because dogs are most affable and friendly. Stray dogs are our friends being the community policeman at night. They prevent intruders and keep us safe from burglars. Community as a whole should be compassionate to dogs in their neighbourhood by providing food to lessen their aggressiveness. Hunger makes man and animal aggressive. It is a universal truth. Taking all the facts into consideration India has envisioned to make the country Rabies Zero by 20230. It seems a herculean task given the public response and infrastructure at ground level. In Odisha context it can be said that there is no veterinary public health apparatus to coordinate such a programme with the public health department of the state
Let us have a look at global scenario. South Africa’s National Rabies Strategy reduced canine rabies cases by 40%, while India’s Animal Birth Control implementation led to a 25% decline in human rabies deaths. Good enough. Both Public Health Department and Veterinary Department all over the country should think over any implementable program in this regard. Artificial Intelligence-driven targeting has increased vaccination efficacy by 30%, enhancing rabies control through predictive analytics, optimized vaccination strategies, personalized public health messaging, and enhanced surveillance and monitoring. This sophisticated method is yet to take a root in order to take the state out of rabies prowl. ‘One Health and One World’’ approach could be helpful which recognizes the intricate relationships between human, animal, and environmental health emphasizing robust inter-sectoral collaboration and coordination. Global cooperation and strategic planning are critical, with the World Health Organization (WHO) developing global rabies elimination framework, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) establishing standards for animal health and welfare, and the Global Alliance for Rabies Control facilitating collaboration among governments, NGOs, and private sector stakeholders. Country-wide initiatives have yielded promising results, with Latin America seeing a 60% decline in human rabies deaths, Asia reducing canine rabies cases by 20%, and Africa decreasing human rabies deaths by 15%. Do we in Odisha have any common platform to contain rabies and make Odisha ‘’RABIES ZERO by 2030’’ as per the WHO & WOAH strategic framework?
The global strategic framework to reduce human rabies deaths by 90% by 2030 is guided by the World Health Organization’s Global Strategic Plan, the Global Alliance for Rabies Control’s “Zero by 30” initiative, and the World Organisation for Animal Health’s Rabies Strategic Plan. These frameworks aim to eliminate dog-mediated rabies, improve animal welfare, and enhance community engagement through improved access to post-exposure prophylaxis, enhanced surveillance and monitoring, increased vaccination coverage, and effective dog population management. Key strategies include scaling up ABC programs, integrating Artificial Intelligence-driven targeting, and strengthening global cooperation and resource mobilization. Implementation involves countries developing national plans, international organizations providing technical assistance and funding, and stakeholders engaging in advocacy and awareness-raising efforts. School going children, generally vulnerable to dog attacks, should be made aware about rabies. Progress will be tracked through annual reports, regular monitoring and evaluation, and mid-term (2025) and final (2030) evaluations, with milestones including 90% vaccination coverage, 80% reduction in human rabies deaths, and elimination of dog-mediated rabies in 50% of affected countries.
To conclude a concerted global action to eliminate rabies is imperative at all levels. We must work to break down the boundaries between human and animal health sectors, fostering collaboration, advocating for political engagement and support, and building the case for investment through public-private partnerships. By unifying research, experience, and expertise, we can break the boundaries of rabies and achieve global control goal. The day calls for a separate VETERINARY PUBLIC HEALTH ESTABLISHMENT with strengthening of diagnostic facilities and man power deployment in view of emerging zoonotic diseases- Monkey pox?
Dr S K Nanda
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