In a proactive bid to tackle the menace of rabies, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) health department has embarked on an ambitious mission to vaccinate 1.80 lakh stray dogs within a span of six months. This initiative aligns with the directives of the Union government’s Rabies-Free campaign, reflecting PMC’s commitment to public health and safety.
The urgency behind this campaign follows a series of tragic fatalities attributed to rabies within urban areas, underscoring the pressing need for enhanced healthcare infrastructure and disease containment measures. With six lives lost to the disease, concerns have been raised regarding the efficacy of PMC’s existing healthcare system in curbing the outbreak.
The PMC’s initiative resonates with the Central government’s mandate to achieve a rabies-free status nationwide by 2030. In line with this objective, the National Rabies Control Programme (NRCP) has been launched, emphasizing the importance of swift action and comprehensive vaccination efforts.Under the NRCP, strategies encompass the provision of free rabies vaccines and immunoglobulin, training initiatives on animal bite management, bolstering surveillance systems, and fostering intersectoral coordination. Furthermore, awareness campaigns play a pivotal role in educating the public about preventive measures against rabies transmission.
Recognizing the need for a holistic approach, the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) advocates for the effective implementation of animal birth control rules, with a focus on anti-rabies vaccination and neutering of stray dogs to stabilize their population.
The National Action Plan for the Elimination of Dog-mediated Rabies (NAPRE) provides a structured framework, drawing insights from various stakeholders to combat rabies effectively. PMC’s Veterinary Department Head, Dr. Sarika Funde, emphasized the significance of mass vaccination and sterilization of stray dogs in the Rabies-Free City programme mandated by the central government.To execute this initiative, five designated organizations have been entrusted with the task, indicating a concerted effort towards achieving rabies-free urban environments.
In conclusion, PMC’s proactive approach underscores the seriousness of the rabies threat and the municipality’s commitment to safeguarding public health. By launching this comprehensive vaccination campaign and aligning with national directives, PMC sets a precedent for other cities to follow suit in the fight against rabies. With concerted efforts from both governmental and non-governmental stakeholders, the vision of a rabies-free India by 2030 may indeed become a reality.
