Rabies is a viral zoonotic disease recognized as one of the World Health Organization’s Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). Globally, it accounts for approximately 14,000 human deaths each year, with children under 14 years constituting 40% of bite victims. The majority of cases are concentrated in Africa and Asia, where canine rabies remains endemic. Despite being entirely preventable, rabies control programs face significant challenges due to limited resources and inadequate global funding, particularly in developing countries. International organizations, including WHO, the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), and the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC), have established the goal of achieving ‘Zero Human Deaths by 2030,’ aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 3.3. The COVID-19 pandemic further disrupted these control efforts, disproportionately affecting high-burden communities. In this context, a comprehensive review of rabies—examining historical trends, current control strategies, and future perspectives—is critical to inform policy, strengthen prevention programs, and achieve global elimination targets in the post-pandemic era.