Karnataka launches State Action Plan on snakebite and rabies

Karnataka launches State Action Plan on snakebite and rabies

News – 

• Karnataka has launched the State Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (SAPSE) and the State Action Plan for Rabies Elimination (SAPRE). 

• • It is the first state in India to implement a comprehensive action plan specifically for snakebites, aiming to drastically reduce fatalities. 

• Both plans aim for zero rabies deaths and reduced snakebite incidents by 2030. 

Key Aspects of the Action Plans

SAPSE (Snakebite Action Plan):

• • Notifiable Disease: Snakebite cases are now notifiable in Karnataka, ensuring mandatory reporting.

• Treatment: Ensures availability of anti-snake venom (ASV) and free, immediate, no-advance-payment treatment at all health facilities.

• Measures: Focuses on strengthening surveillance, training medical staff, and strengthening public awareness.

SAPRE (Rabies Action Plan):

• Target: Eliminate dog-mediated human rabies by 2030.

• • Rabies-Free Cities: Initiating the “Rabies-Free Cities” project in 11 major urban centres focusing on mass dog vaccinations and population management.

• Health Initiatives: Free anti-rabies vaccines and immunoglobulin are provided at government hospitals.

• Notifiable Disease: Rabies was declared a notifiable disease in 2022 to strengthen surveillance.
• Significance – These initiatives are guided by a “One Health” approach, integrating human health, animal health, and environmental departments.