The Karnataka government has declared war on two silent killers, introducing comprehensive action plans Friday to end dog-transmitted human rabies deaths by 2030 and dramatically cut venomous snakebite mortality. In Bengaluru, Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao launched the plans, signaling a unified assault on these avoidable diseases.
Rabies control leverages the One Health model, bridging human and animal health sectors including veterinary services, urban bodies, and schools. Post-symptomatic rabies is invariably deadly, so the blueprint prioritizes proactive vaccination, treatment access, epidemiological surveillance, and synchronized responses.
Zero deaths is the mantra, backed by gratis vaccines and immunoglobulins stocked perpetually in all public health outlets. Private providers are compelled to mirror this readiness and waive advance payments for care.
Notifiable since 2022, rabies data flows more reliably now. Joint committees at state and district tiers ensure accountability.
Rabies-Free Cities targets 11 metros: Bengaluru, Belagavi, Ballari, Davangere, Hubli-Dharwad, Kalaburagi, Mangaluru, Mysuru, Shivamogga, Tumakuru, Vijayapura, with city-specific strategies.
Veterinarians drive dog vaccination surges and management, as civic bodies regulate pets and sanitation against strays.
Clinics in med colleges receive upgrades, professionals get protocol training. The Snakebite counterpart plan, per national standards, stresses prevention education, swift care, training, and free services post-2024 notifiability.
No payments precede life-saving snakebite interventions. Plans thrive on inter-agency teamwork, outreach expansion, and community buy-in.
Karnataka rallies everyone—individuals, firms, civil groups—to secure a rabies-free, safer state by 2030.