Rabies Vaccine Shortage Amidst Rising Animal Bites in Nepal
Summary
Anti-rabies vaccine shortages are worsening in Nepal as animal bite cases rise sharply, with more than 223,000 incidents recorded in fiscal year 2081/82. Health officials say dogs cause most bites and rabies deaths, and they are urging immediate treatment, wider vaccination coverage, and stronger public awareness.
Key Points
- The Department of Health Services sent 264,000 vials of anti-rabies vaccine to provinces in fiscal year 2081/82, but rising bite cases created a shortage.
- Animal bite incidents in Nepal have climbed sharply in recent years, reaching 223,510 in fiscal year 2081/82.
- Officials say around 96 to 99 percent of rabies cases are linked to dog bites, with about 100 deaths annually.
- Experts call for urgent wound washing, prompt hospital care, mass dog vaccination, and better public awareness to prevent rabies deaths.
