Opinion | We know how to stop rabies. We just aren’t doing it
Summary
Nepal is facing a shortage of rabies vaccines, increasing the risk of fatal rabies cases, particularly in areas outside Kathmandu where access to vaccines is limited. The government must ensure vaccine availability to achieve the goal of eliminating dog-mediated rabies deaths by 2030.
Key Points
- Nepal is experiencing a persistent shortage of rabies vaccines, affecting both government and private healthcare facilities.
- Rabies remains 100% fatal in Nepal once clinical symptoms appear, with over 20 deaths recorded annually at STIDH.
- Dogs are the primary source of rabies exposures in Nepal, with increasing bite incidents from pets and other animals.
- The government should consider domestic vaccine production to secure supply and improve access, especially in remote areas, to meet the 2030 elimination goal.
