Do We Have Enough Rabies Vaccines, Immunoglobulins?

An estimated 5,700 people die from dog-mediated rabies annually in India, according to The Lancet

- Jessica Jani

A six-year-old's death in Delhi recently due to a dog bite prompted a Supreme Court directive that has sparked widespread furore. On Monday, the apex court directed municipal authorities to round up and put all stray dogs in Delhi and parts of the National Capital Region (NCR) in dedicated shelters within eight weeks. This triggered widespread outrage among citizens and animal advocacy groups who are concerned that the order may set a precedent for other cities and towns. On Thursday, the top court reserved its order on a plea seeking an interim stay on the 11 August order.

To be sure, India has one of the highest burdens of rabies deaths globally, with dog bites being the primary cause. An estimated 5,700 people die from dog-mediated rabies annually in India, according to a 2024 The Lancet study. A national plan to eliminate rabies caused by dog bites by 2030 is still underway, but the country has made significant strides in reducing cases.

Amid the ongoing controversy, Mint takes a look at India's rabies vaccine market and examines how access is shaping up.