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.

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 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.

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 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’s RABIES VACCINATION DRIVE

For World Rabies Day on Sept 28th Stray Animal Foundation of India will vaccinate 1000 street dogs in Hyderabad city.
It focuses 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.

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, 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.