Srinagar, Oct 05: Two doctors from Jammu and Kashmir have suggested one health approach for rabies elimination in an article published by The Lancet, a medical journal.
Rabies is a global health challenge, especially in resource-limited settings, where its impact is profound. Despite the appeal of One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health, its practical implementation in rabies control remains suboptimal.
The article authored by Dr Sheikh Mohd Saleem and Dr Shah Sumaya Jan said it is crucial to reassess and enhance strategies for effectively combating this preventable disease.
“Annually, rabies claims an estimated 59,000 lives, predominantly in Africa and Asia. The persistence of this disease can be attributed to insufficient vaccination coverage, low public awareness, and inadequate infrastructure for post-exposure prophylaxis,” the article said.
They said although the One Health approach advocates for coordinated efforts, its real-world application has been hindered by logistical, financial, and structural barriers. Key challenges include fragmented coordination between veterinary and public health services, disproportionate resource allocation, and ineffective community engagement strategies.
“To address these challenges, we propose a multifaceted model prioritising practicality and sustainability in field implementation. This strategy encompasses the establishment of integrated rabies control units at the district level, comprising veterinarians, public health officials, and community health workers,” Saleem said.
He said these units would oversee vaccination campaigns, monitor rabies cases and conduct educational outreach, thereby streamlining resource use and enhancing coordination.
“We recommend the deployment of mobile vaccination and education teams in underserved areas. Equipped with vaccines, diagnostic tools, and educational materials, these teams would conduct door-to-door animal vaccinations, provide post-exposure prophylaxis to bite victims, and educate communities about rabies prevention,” it said.
The doctors believed that the mobile vaccination and education teams would serve as a crucial link between remote communities and centralised health services.
“To augment these efforts, we propose development and implementation of digital health platforms. Mobile applications designed to report rabies cases, track vaccination coverage, and provide real-time data to health authorities would facilitate timely interventions, enhance data accuracy, and improve communication between health sectors and the public,” Saleem said.
The researchers also advocate for establishment of community-based surveillance systems. “By training local volunteers to act as rabies surveillance officers, communities would be empowered to participate actively in rabies prevention efforts,” they said adding this approach would ensure early detection and response to rabies outbreaks while fostering local engagement.
The authors state that rabies elimination is achievable through a pragmatic and integrated approach. “Implementing integrated rabies control units, mobile vaccination and education teams, digital health platforms, and community-based surveillance systems will enhance the effectiveness of the One Health strategy, bridging gaps and ensuring sustainable, community-driven rabies control.”
They said it is imperative to transition from theoretical discussions to decisive, actionable steps towards a rabies-free world.
“We urge global health organisations, governments, and stakeholders to adopt and support these strategies, recognising that through collaborative efforts and practical implementation, considerable progress can be made in rabies prevention, ultimately saving countless lives,” they suggested.
