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 MoreVultures are crucial for public health, serving as a sanitation system and preventing disease spread. Their near-extinction in India, due to diclofenac, underscores the link between biodiversity loss and human pandemic risk. Government efforts, such as the National Action Plan for Vulture Conservation, aim to restore this species and protect the environment.
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