Mumbai to Launch Major Rabies Vaccination Drive

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is gearing up for an extensive rabies vaccination initiative, set to launch on September 28, 2024. This large-scale campaign aims to address the critical issue of rabies transmission via stray dogs and advance Mumbai’s goal of becoming rabies-free.

This vaccination drive forms a crucial part of the BMC’s broader strategy, which is overseen by the Municipal Commissioner and includes input from the Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) and the Special Deputy Commissioner. The initiative represents a concerted effort to eradicate rabies by immunising strays across the city. In alignment with the Central Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s ambitious target to eliminate rabies from India by 2030, the BMC initiated the Mumbai Rabies Elimination Project in 2022. This forthcoming campaign is conducted in collaboration with Mission Rabies, a global effort supported by World Veterinary Services.

The project will focus on vaccinating stray dogs and boosting public awareness regarding rabies and animal welfare laws. August saw the BMC expand its outreach efforts, engaging with 65 schools and educating around 13,332 students, alongside 271 teachers and 793 community members, about rabies. This educational component underscores the campaign’s commitment to enhancing community knowledge and involvement in rabies prevention.

To streamline vaccination and sterilisation processes, the BMC has introduced online services through the MyBMC mobile app and its official website. These platforms allow residents to report stray dog issues or request services efficiently. Additionally, the BMC plans to engage more animal welfare organisations to expedite the sterilisation of strays, furthering the city’s objectives of controlling rabies and improving animal welfare. The BMC’s strategic approach and extensive planning highlight its dedication to tackling rabies and fostering a safer environment for both humans and animals in Mumbai.