Building Momentum: Recap of the 2nd Eastern Africa Sub-Regional Network Meeting on Rabies Control

The 2nd Meeting of the Eastern Africa Sub-Regional Network for Rabies control brought together a diverse group of experts from the animal and human health sectors. Together, we discussed the pressing challenge of dog-mediated rabies and identified key findings and recommendations to achieve the global goal of eliminating human deaths from this disease by 2030. The importance of strengthening national strategic plans for rabies control and increasing investments and collaboration to secure sustainable financing for comprehensive rabies control programs was emphasized.
These plans should prioritize mass dog vaccination, surveillance, and data collection and reporting. The vital role of accurate and comprehensive data in effective rabies control was also highlighted. Countries were therefore encouraged to prioritize data collection, sharing, and reporting and to foster open data sharing among relevant sectors. The use of available resources and tools, such as the “United Against Rabies” toolbox, should be integrated into national programs to enhance data quality. Harmonization of data collection and reporting practices within countries and across regions will allow for a more coordinated and efficient response to rabies outbreaks and monitoring of progress toward the 2030 global target.

Building capacity for rabies surveillance was discussed as a crucial element, especially in countries with gaps in their surveillance systems. This includes establishing rabies laboratory infrastructure and testing capacity, conducting training for rabies diagnosis, and strengthening the overall lab system. Countries with limited capacity for data sharing should seek support and training to enhance their data-sharing capabilities. Collaborative efforts with ministries and relevant organizations are crucial to ensure official reporting of data. Access to testing materials was also highlighted as being vital for timely and accurate diagnosis. We strongly urge governments, organizations, and individuals to join us in this effort. Together, we can make a difference and eliminate dog-mediated rabies by 2030. The Members are committed to working towards a future where human deaths from rabies are a thing of the past.

Workshop Objectives

The workshop aimed to achieve the following objectives:

1. Promote the UAR Rabies Roadmap and encourage participants to undertake in-country Stepwise Approach towards Rabies Elimination (SARE) assessment/reassessments to measure progress towards rabies elimination.
2. Introduce participants to the UAR tools and resources that could be used in support of their rabies elimination efforts.
3. Promote improved rabies surveillance through the collection, sharing, and reporting of rabies minimum data elements.
4. Promote national collaborations between human and animal health sectors in rabies surveillance and reporting.
5. Sensitise countries on dog population estimates and responsible dog ownership.