We're excited to share our upcoming initiative for World Rabies Day on September 28th. Stray Animal Foundation of India is on a mission to vaccinate 1000 street dogs in Hyderabad, India, focusing on dog and human health. 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.
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 36% of global rabies-related deaths. 95-99% of all human rabies cases result from dog bites. India records an estimated 17.4 million dog bites annually. India resorted to the organized mass killing of dogs, believing it would curb rabies. But it does nothing to halt the spread of rabies, and dogs repopulated.
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. We can prevent nearly all human rabies deaths globally by eliminating rabies in dogs, saving over 59,000 lives each year. For World Rabies Day on Sept 28th SAFI will vaccinate 1000 street dogs in Hyderabad city. It focuses on both dog and human health. The drive also educates people on what to do if they get bit.
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. Dog vaccination costs only $3, offering a cost-effective solution to rabies elimination. 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. Let's work together for a rabies-free India.
