Rabies is one of the neglected tropical diseases (NTD) that predominantly affects already marginalized, poor and vulnerable populations. As per WHO estimates, globally, there are 59,000 human deaths due to dog-mediated rabies. India contributes to one third of the total global burden due to rabies and two-third of rabies burden in the South East Asia Region as per the WHO-APCRI 2004 Survey.

To achieve the global target of Zero Human Dog- Mediated Rabies Death by 2030,  India has launched the National Action Plan for Dog mediated Human Rabies  Elimination (NAPRE). This plan is based on the “One Health" Approach, which recognizes the interconnection between people, animals, plants, and their shared environment.

This State specific action plan for Tamil Nadu is first of its kind ready reference in framing holistic measures for prevention and control of dog-mediated rabies in Tamil Nadu.