BI India joins forces with PPAM and BMC to Stop Rabies

India, 20th September 2023 – Boehringer Ingelheim India has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Pet Practitioners Association of Mumbai, a non-profit charitable organisation to combat rabies in the Greater Mumbai area. The free vaccination camps will be run with support of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

The ‘Stop Rabies’ initiative aligns with India's National Action Plan for Dog-Mediated Rabies Elimination by 2030. It adopts a two-pronged approach of vaccination and education. Boehringer Ingelheim India has committed to donate 30,000 doses of its anti-rabies vaccine, Rabisin® (inactivated and adjuvanted rabies glycoproteins) for the vaccination drive, and conduct a month-long awareness drive in partnership with PPAM in schools and communities to educate the public about rabies prevention and the human-animal bond.

The ‘Stop Rabies’ initiative will be implemented under the pillar 'More Health' in our 'Sustainable Development - For Generations' framework, which is our strategic approach to sustainability.

The MoU signing between PPAM represented by Dr Dhananjay Bapat, President, PPAM and Dr Makrand Chavan, Secretary, PPAM and Boehringer Ingelheim India represented by Gagandeep Singh Bedi, Managing Director and Head of Human Pharma and Dr. Vinod Gopal, Director - Country Head, Animal Health was held today in Mumbai.

“Rabies, a disease that can be prevented by vaccination, continues to be a problem for public health," stated Dr. Vinod Gopal, Director and Country Head of Animal Health at Boehringer Ingelheim India. “Adopting the 'One Health' approach will be key to securing a healthier future for all. Our 'Stop Rabies' initiative with PPAM and BMC is a step in that direction, showcasing our commitment to the well-being of humans and uncared dogs and cats.”

"Eliminating rabies in Mumbai is crucial for public health. The 'Stop Rabies' initiative stands as a testament to the power of public-private partnerships, and empowering Mumbai to move closer to becoming rabies-free," said Dr Dhananjay Bapat, President, PPAM.

As per WHO, about 30-60% of reported rabies cases and deaths in India occur in children under the age of 15 years. Vaccinating dogs is the most cost-effective strategy for preventing rabies in people.

About Boehringer Ingelheim
Boehringer Ingelheim is working on breakthrough therapies that improve the lives of humans and animals. As a leading research-driven biopharmaceutical company, the company creates value through innovation in areas of high unmet medical need. Founded in 1885 and family-owned ever since Boehringer Ingelheim takes a long-term perspective. Around 53,000 employees serve more than 130 markets in three business areas, Human Pharma, Animal Health, and Biopharmaceutical Contract Manufacturing.
Learn more at www.boehringer-ingelheim.com

Established in 2003, Boehringer Ingelheim India manages India and the neighboring markets’ operations of the global enterprise. The Company enables access to innovative products as part of its Human Pharma and Animal Health businesses. The focus Human Pharma therapy areas include diabetes, cardiovascular, and respiratory conditions.
Learn more at www.boehringer-ingelheim.in

About ‘Sustainable Development – For Generations’
Boehringer Ingelheim operates to serve the needs of human and animal health. This makes the company’s position unique in addressing intersecting sustainable development challenges. The ‘Sustainable Development – For Generations’ framework has three pillars: ‘More Health’, ‘More Green’ and ‘More Potential’. Through these pillars, Boehringer Ingelheim implements 20 initiatives around the globe to drive the company’s contributions and impact. These are in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. To succeed in reaching these goals, the company has renewed its committed approach to working in partnership, calling for the multi-stakeholder collaboration needed to tackle complex global challenges.

About Pet Practitioners Association of Mumbai
PPAM is a social professional and educational registered trust for welfare of the pet/vet fraternity, which is the only organization working for pet medicine in India. The objective of PPAM is to drive scientific education to enable members to better serve the pet population.
Learn more at http://www.ppam.co.in/