Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 29 (UNI) Kerala has set its sights on eliminating rabies deaths by 2030, even as the state continues to vaccinate nearly nine lakh animal-bite victims every year but still loses more than 20 lives annually, almost 40 per cent of them children.
To address this persistent public health challenge, the Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS) School of Public Health is hosting a one-day workshop on “Rabies and One Health” today at the Medical College campus here.
The event aims to chart a clear roadmap towards achieving the ambitious “Zero by 2030” goal.
Health experts emphasise that vaccinating at least 70 per cent of dogs is vital to break the transmission cycle of the virus and eradicate rabies linked to dog bites. The workshop will bring together national and international experts to provide technical guidance and strategies for Kerala’s mission.
World-renowned rabies authority Dr. Katie Hampson of the University of Glasgow, who also advises the World Health Organisation, will address the meet along with her PhD fellow Martha Luca. KUHS faculty members Dr. Siniya T. Nujum and Dr. Thomas Mathew will lead technical sessions.
The day-long deliberations, beginning at 9 am, are jointly organised by the KUHS, the Health Department, the Directorate of Medical Education, the Animal Husbandry Department, the Local Self-Government Department, the Mission Rabies and Compassion for Animal Welfare Association.
Officials said the workshop underlines Kerala’s strong resolve to eliminate rabies fatalities and set a model for the rest of India.
Kerala aims for ‘Zero Rabies Deaths’ by 2030
