Free vaccination camps and education to help combat rabies crisis in India

According to the World Health Organization, India accounts for 36% of the world’s rabies deaths with an estimated 18,000 to 20,000 deaths from this disease each year.¹ To address this major public health crisis, Boehringer Ingelheim India has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Pet Practitioners Association of Mumbai (PPAM), a non-profit charitable organization with the goal of eliminating rabies in the Greater Mumbai area.

FiledIMAGE / stock.adobe.com

A company release² states that the 'Stop Rabies' initiative is in tandem with India's National Action Plan for Dog-Mediated Rabies Elimination by 2030. Boehringer Ingelheim India has committed to donate 30,000 doses of its anti-rabies vaccine, Rabisin (inactivated and adjuvanted rabies glycoproteins) for free vaccination camps that will be run with the support of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The company will also lead a month-long awareness drive in collaboration with PPAM in schools and communities to inform the public on rabies prevention and the human-animal bond.

The MoU signing was recently held in Mumbai between PPAM represented by Dhananjay Bapat, BVSc & AH, president, PPAM and Makrand Chavan, BVSc & AH, MVSc, secretary, PPAM; and Boehringer Ingelheim India represented by Gagandeep Singh Bedi, managing director and head of human pharma and Vinod Gopal, DVM, MBA, director - country head, animal health.

"Rabies, a disease that can be prevented by vaccination, continues to be a problem for public health," said Gopal.² "Adopting the 'One Health' approach will be key to securing a healthier future for all. Our 'Stop Rabies' initiative with PPAM and BMC is a step in that direction, showcasing our commitment to the well-being of humans and uncared dogs and cats."

"Eliminating rabies in Mumbai is crucial for public health. The 'Stop Rabies' initiative stands as a testament to the power of public-private partnerships, and empowering Mumbai to move closer to becoming rabies-free," added Bapat, in the release.

References

1. Rabies in India. World Health Organization. Accessed September 25, 2023. https://www.who.int/india/health-topics/rabies
2. Boehringer Ingelheim India joins forces with Pet Practitioners Association of Mumbai (PPAM) and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to 'Stop Rabies' in Mumbai. News release. Boehringer Ingelheim India. September 25, 2023. Accessed September 25, 2023. https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/boehringer-ingelheim-india-joins-forces-with-pet-practitioners-association-of-mumbai-ppam-and-brihanmumbai-municipal-corporation-bmc-to-stop-rabies-in-mumbai-301937501.html