Rabies control in Asia through one health interventions: a scoping review

Abstract

Background
Rabies, a deadly zoonotic disease, remains a major public health issue in Asia, demanding urgent and effective interventions. Embracing the One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health, presents a comprehensive framework for tackling rabies. This study explores how such a holistic strategy can enhance rabies control and eradication efforts in Asia, where the disease continues to pose a significant threat. By fostering multi-sectoral collaboration and blending veterinary, medical, and environmental sciences, the One Health approach aims to streamline surveillance, control, and ultimately, the elimination of rabies.

Methods
This study employs a scoping review methodology to assess the effectiveness of One Health interventions in the management and outcomes of rabies across various Asian contexts, exploring the associated challenges and achievements. Following the Arksey and O'Malley five-step framework and adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines, this review seeks to uncover critical themes, identify trends, and highlight gaps within the realm of rabies control in Asia.

Results
Our review included studies showcasing the application of One Health strategies in combating rabies across different Asian contexts. These studies emphasize the critical role of technological innovations, community engagement, and multi-sectoral collaboration in effective rabies control. Innovations like mobile apps for surveillance and social media for education, coupled with traditional control methods, have shown promise. The success of these strategies underlines the need for culturally adapted approaches and unified efforts spanning health, animal, and environmental sectors.

Conclusion
The One Health approach significantly contributes to rabies control efforts in Asia, promising strides towards its management and eventual eradication. This strategy, emphasizing stakeholder collaboration, technological use, and sensitivity to socio-economic and cultural contexts, paves the way for a rabies-free future. Future research should extend One Health applications to other zoonotic diseases, assess the scalability of interventions, and enhance surveillance systems, reinforcing global health security against rabies and other public health challenges.