Sri Lanka is implementing a series of programmes with the support of several organizations to achieve a rabies-free country by 2030. World Rabies Day is observed annually on September 28. According to health reports, rabies causes around 60,000 deaths worldwide each year, while the global economic burden associated with the disease is estimated at approximately US$9.6 billion annually.
Sri Lanka has several favourable environmental factors that support efforts to control and eliminate rabies.
Key measures to eliminate rabies include sterilization of animals, proper vaccination and raising public awareness about the disease.
Special programmes are currently being implemented with the goal of making Sri Lanka rabies-free by 2030.
The Sri Lanka Veterinary Association, the Association of Veterinarians for Pets, the Department of Animal Production and Health, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock are among the organizations involved in these efforts.
The programmes include providing free rabies vaccinations and promoting measures to prevent the spread of the disease.
