A recent scare over counterfeit rabies vaccines has raised serious public-health concerns. Suspected fake or repackaged batches of a commonly used rabies vaccine were reported in multiple Indian cities, prompting advisories from several countries for travellers vaccinated in India. Investigations indicate that while most vials contained genuine vaccine, packaging was altered and government-supplied stock was likely diverted to the private market, revealing weaknesses in supply-chain monitoring. The incident risks creating vaccine hesitancy for a disease that is almost 100% fatal once symptoms appear. The crisis underscores the need for strict regulation, better tracking systems, strong law enforcement, transparent public communication, and assured availability of authentic vaccines and immunoglobulin to maintain trust and prevent avoidable deaths.
Click to View MoreRabies is a highly fatal but completely preventable viral disease that primarily affects the central nervous system and is mostly transmitted to humans through dog bites in India. It disproportionately impacts poor and rural communities and children, largely due to low awareness and limited access to timely post-exposure vaccination and immunoglobulin. India has launched programmes such as the National Rabies Control Programme and the National Action Plan for Rabies Elimination 2030, based on the One Health approach, focusing on dog vaccination, sterilisation, surveillance, and free PEP in public hospitals. With sustained awareness, mass dog vaccination, and improved access to treatment, India can eliminate dog-mediated human rabies deaths by 2030.
Click to View More
© 2026 iasgyan. All right reserved