Which of the following best describes the 'One Health' approach as highlighted in the context of rabies elimination?

A collaborative effort integrating human, animal, and environmental health sectors.

A policy mandating the culling of stray dog populations to eliminate disease reservoirs.

A global initiative restricted to the Southeast Asian region for disease surveillance.

A strategy focusing exclusively on human vaccination to prevent viral transmission.

According to the WHO, what is the primary requirement for a country to be validated as having eliminated dog-transmitted human rabies?

Absence of human deaths from the disease for at least two years and capacity to prevent re-emergence.

Universal mandatory vaccination of all domestic and stray animals.

Zero reported cases of dog bites in the country for five consecutive years.

Complete eradication of the rabies virus from all wildlife populations.

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7 September 2026

Bhutan's elimination of dog-transmitted rabies

While Bhutan's achievement provides a relevant case study for India's 'One Health' approach and rabies elimination goals, it is a regional development rather than a direct Indian policy or landmark report.

Notes

Bhutan is the first country in the WHO Southeast Asia region to eliminate dog-transmitted rabies as a public health problem.
WHO validation requires the absence of human deaths from dog-transmitted rabies for at least two years and demonstrated capacity to prevent re-emergence.
Bhutan's last recorded rabies death occurred in June 2023.
Global rabies burden is estimated at 59,000 deaths annually, with one-third occurring in India.
In India, 96% of rabies mortality and morbidity is linked to dog bites; the disease is endemic across the country except for Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands.
The National Rabies Control Programme in India aims to achieve zero human rabies deaths by 2030.
The 'One Health' approach, involving collaboration between health, veterinary, and community sectors, is identified as the key strategy for rabies elimination.
The two-pronged global strategy for rabies control involves mass dog vaccination and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for humans.
PEP includes washing the bite area, administering a full course of human rabies vaccine, and using rabies immunoglobulins when necessary.

Questions

Discuss the significance of the 'One Health' approach in addressing zoonotic diseases like rabies, drawing lessons from Bhutan's recent success in eliminating dog-transmitted rabies. 150 words

Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min

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Despite the existence of a National Rabies Control Programme, India continues to account for a significant portion of global rabies fatalities. Analyze the systemic challenges in implementing animal birth control and vaccination programs, and suggest measures to achieve the 2030 target of zero human rabies deaths. 250 words

Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min

0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

Which of the following best describes the 'One Health' approach as highlighted in the context of rabies elimination?

According to the WHO, what is the primary requirement for a country to be validated as having eliminated dog-transmitted human rabies?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

Bhutan leads Southeast Asia region in eliminating rabies

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-09-07/bhutan-s-elimination-of-dog-transmitted-rabies