India’s National Rabies Control Programme: A Comprehensive Approach Towards Rabies Elimination
- MGMMTeam
- Oct 6
- 3 min read
Rabies continues to be a major public health concern in India, which accounts for nearly 36% of global rabies deaths. In response to this challenge, the Government of India has launched the National Rabies Control Programme (NRCP), with the ambitious goal of eliminating dog-mediated human rabies by 2030. The initiative adopts a “One Health” approach, integrating human, animal, and environmental health strategies to combat the disease effectively.
Financial Commitment and Resource Allocation
Between the fiscal years 2020–21 and 2025–26, the central government allocated a total of ₹748.05 crore to states and Union Territories under the NRCP. These funds are distributed annually through the National Health Mission (NHM) under the Programme Implementation Plan (PIP) mechanism.
The allocated funds support a wide range of activities, including human rabies prevention, post-exposure prophylaxis, training programs for healthcare professionals, awareness campaigns, and the establishment of model Anti-Rabies Clinics. Additionally, these funds enable capacity building, surveillance, monitoring, and the development of educational materials to raise awareness about rabies prevention across communities.
Key Components of the National Rabies Control Programme
The NRCP emphasizes a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach to rabies control. On the human health side, the programme ensures access to post-exposure prophylaxis, educates the public on prevention measures, and strengthens medical response infrastructure. On the animal health side, states and Union Territories implement Animal Birth Control (ABC) and Anti-Rabies Vaccination (ARV) programmes to control stray dog populations and prevent transmission of the disease.
Training and capacity building remain crucial aspects of the programme, ensuring that healthcare professionals and stakeholders are equipped to manage rabies prevention and treatment efficiently. Surveillance and monitoring systems have been strengthened to detect cases early and respond promptly, while model Anti-Rabies Clinics provide specialized care and facilitate public access to rabies treatment.
State-Level Initiatives
Several states have implemented innovative initiatives under the NRCP. Uttar Pradesh has sterilized and vaccinated over 2.8 lakh stray dogs across its municipal corporations while issuing pet licenses to regulate ownership. Kerala has called for a universal pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) vaccination programme, initially targeting children and high-risk populations. In Tamil Nadu, a large-scale anti-rabies drive in Kodaikanal aimed to vaccinate more than 5,000 dogs, ensuring the safety of residents and tourists alike.
These state-led efforts complement central government initiatives, demonstrating how a coordinated approach between different levels of governance can effectively combat rabies.
Challenges and the Way Forward
Despite notable progress, India still faces challenges in its pursuit of zero rabies deaths by 2030. Limited vaccine access in remote areas, gaps in public awareness, and the need for comprehensive surveillance remain significant hurdles. Achieving the programme’s objectives will require continued funding, strengthened collaboration between human and animal health sectors, and sustained community engagement.
The MGMM Outlook
India continues to grapple with rabies, contributing to a significant portion of global deaths from the disease. Recognizing this public health challenge, the Government of India has rolled out the National Rabies Control Programme (NRCP), aiming to eliminate dog-mediated human rabies by 2030. The initiative adopts a “One Health” framework, integrating strategies across human, animal, and environmental health. With a budget allocation of ₹748 crore over five years, the programme supports a range of activities including post-exposure treatment, awareness campaigns, training of healthcare professionals, and the establishment of model Anti-Rabies Clinics. By focusing on both prevention and treatment, the NRCP seeks to ensure that communities across India have access to timely care and accurate information on rabies control.
State-level interventions demonstrate the programme’s practical impact. Uttar Pradesh has vaccinated and sterilized hundreds of thousands of stray dogs while regulating pet ownership, Kerala is rolling out pre-exposure vaccination for children and high-risk groups, and Tamil Nadu has conducted large-scale anti-rabies drives to protect residents and tourists. These efforts highlight the importance of collaboration between central and state governments, as well as active community participation. While challenges such as limited vaccine availability in remote areas and gaps in public awareness remain, the NRCP represents a coordinated and strategic effort toward making India a rabies-free nation.
(Sources: OpIndia, PIB, Times of India)
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