Sri Lanka has launched a programme aimed at eliminating rabies from the country by 2030, according to the Director General of the Department of Animal Production and Health, Dr. Sanjika Perera.

Accordingly, a four-day workshop was organized at a hotel in Katunayake by the Department of Animal Production and Health in collaboration with several international organizations to discuss strategies to eradicate rabies in Sri Lanka.

Speaking at the inauguration of the workshop, Dr. Perera said efforts are underway to eliminate rabies from the country by 2030, emphasizing that controlling the disease among animals, particularly dogs, is key to achieving this goal.

He said rabies prevention programmes in Sri Lanka began around 70 years ago, with the current national programme commencing in 1973. At that time, more than 370 human deaths were reported annually due to rabies, but the number has now declined to around 14 deaths per year.

Dr. Perera noted that although post-exposure vaccinations at hospitals have helped save lives, the continued treatment of bite victims places a significant burden on the government.

He stressed the need to control and eliminate rabies among dogs, adding that reducing the disease at its source would help ease the burden on the healthcare system.

Dr. Sanjika Perera also called on people who care for stray dogs to take responsibility for their wellbeing, including ensuring proper care rather than only providing food.