LocationsAnswering the Call: A Helpline’s Role in the Fight Against Rabies
July 6, 2025
Anti-Rabies vaccine is the only way to prevent fatalities after a bite from an animal that can transmit rabies
Rabies is one of the deadliest zoonotic diseases, claiming nearly 60,000 lives globally every year. India bears nearly a third of this burden—largely due to low awareness and delays in receiving timely vaccination.
Take the case of Sunil Kumar Yadav, from Madhya Pradesh, who was bitten by a stray dog. Understanding the urgency, he rushed to a friend who offered help at a private clinic. The friend administered a shot, but moments later, Sunil noticed the label on the vaccine vial—it read “For animal use.”
Alarmed, he immediately called the rabies helpline, 15400. The helpline operator quickly directed him to the nearest health facility stocked with the correct human rabies vaccine—ultimately saving his life.
A survey commissioned by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) found that lack of awareness is one of the biggest contributors to rabies-related deaths. “The most common reasons for not taking the vaccine among unvaccinated individuals were lack of awareness, low acceptance of vaccination, while a minority took treatment from traditional healers,” the report states.
The helpline 15400, operated by the Centre for One Health under the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, with technical support from UNDP, provides people with accurate information and immediate medical guidance during crises. When Sunil called, the helpline not only responded swiftly but also ensured he received proper care.
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Sunil’s story is not just about personal vigilance—it reflects how smart, responsive systems can bridge life-threatening gaps in healthcare.
In response to the rising risk of zoonotic threats, the Government of India has strengthened its public health strategy through initiatives like National Action Plan for Dog-Mediated Rabies Elimination(NAPRE), developed by NCDC.
The Rabies Helpline 15400, which was initially funded by the Access Delivery Partnership (ADP), is a critical component of NAPRE, which seeks to eliminate dog-mediated rabies by 2030. The national programme addresses both human and animal health, and the helpline plays a vital role in closing the information gap—especially in rural and underserved areas.
The 15400 helpline offers accurate information and medical guidance to anyone bitten by an animal that can transmit rabies
Currently available in five states—Delhi, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Puducherry—the helpline ensures people can access life-saving advice when it matters most.
“Rabies fatalities are declining thanks to the joint efforts of the Central and State Governments. The NCDC, which leads India’s mission to eliminate dog-mediated rabies, is working with multiple government departments and partners like UNDP on key initiatives including the 15400 helpline,” said Dr. Simmi Tiwari, Joint Director at NCDC and Head of the Centre for One Health.
“Together with all stakeholders, NCDC is committed to eliminating this deadly disease by 2030,” she added.
Beyond offering immediate advice, helpline operators also stress the importance of completing the full course of vaccination. The rabies vaccine schedule varies based on whether it is given before or after exposure. For those who are bitten and haven't been vaccinated before, five doses are required—on days 0, 3, 7, 14, and 28. For pre-exposure vaccination, only two doses—on days 0 and 3—are needed.
It is crucial to complete all five shots after exposure. Incomplete vaccination can lead to rabies—which is always fatal once symptoms appear.
This is one of the reasons people still die from rabies. The ICMR survey revealed that out of 2,052 people who had been bitten by potentially rabid animals, nearly half of those who began the vaccine series did not complete it.
“Although human rabies deaths have significantly declined over the past two decades, to eliminate dog-mediated rabies by 2030, India must accelerate its actions by adopting a focused One Health approach. This includes integrating human and animal surveillance, ensuring timely administration of full post-exposure prophylaxis, and scaling up dog vaccination efforts nationwide,” the report emphasizes.
A One Health approach also serves as a powerful preventive strategy. Studies show that around 75% of zoonotic infections can be prevented through increased public awareness and proactive risk-reduction—particularly via timely vaccination. Systematic interventions targeting these transmission pathways could significantly reduce the burden of zoonotic diseases.
Sunil’s experience had a fortunate ending, but it is a sobering reminder: awareness, timely care, and accurate information can make the difference between life and death.
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