Persistent global challenges remain, notably rabies, seasonal influenza, and the continuous emergence of novel viral threats. Seasonal influenza is a recurrent, widespread, and debilitating viral infection. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that seasonal influenza causes 290,000 to 650,000 deaths from respiratory diseases globally each year.

India continues to face an exceptionally high burden of preventable infectious diseases, making the expansion of vaccination coverage an imperative national priority. Rabies presents a significant challenge. Rabies causes approximately 59,000 deaths globally each year, with India alone accounting for an estimated 36% of global rabies fatalities.

Expanding vaccination coverage, advancing indigenous innovation, and improving accessibility to life-saving vaccines across diverse populations are crucial next steps in the fight against these preventable diseases.