Empowering rural Maharashtra: A holistic approach to rabies control and one health perspectiv

Abstract

Rabies, a grave threat in rural areas with limited healthcare access, poses significant global concern due to its near 100% fatality rate in humans and animals. The shift to intradermal vaccines highlights cost-effectiveness. Maharashtra, India’s one of largest states, faces unique challenges in rabies prevention and management, despite efforts, owing to poor awareness and limited healthcare access. In India, Maharashtra stands out due to challenges in rabies prevention and management despite ongoing efforts. This study proposes transformative strategies grounded in community engagement, education and vaccination campaigns to reduce rabies incidence. Emphasizing community empowerment, it advocates for integrating traditional knowledge with modern interventions. Globally, 330,000 people face rabies risk annually, with India accounting for 36% of cases. Limited vaccine access perpetuates transmission risks, necessitating collaborative efforts to enhance awareness and intervention, particularly in rural Maharashtra. The study emphasizes removing stray dogs and implementing widespread vaccination as key prevention strategies. The success of Goa’s One Health program exemplifies human rabies elimination feasibility and cost-effectiveness, aiming to eradicate canine-mediated human rabies deaths by 2030. Targeted interventions can effectively reduce rabies incidence, safeguarding both human and animal populations. By targeting these key areas, communities can effectively reduce the incidence of rabies and protect both human and animal population.