Documenting challenges in achieving rabies elimination by 2030 in low-middle income countries; a Kenyan case study from Lamu County, 2020–2022: mixed methods approach

A Kenyan case study from Lamu Old Town reveals significant challenges to achieving rabies elimination by 2030, despite the nation's strategic plan. Between 2020 and 2022, researchers documented 787 dog bite cases and six human rabies deaths, with only a third of these cases reported in official health databases. The study highlights critical gaps: underreporting of rabies cases, limited availability of human rabies vaccines (with stockouts at 73% of facilities), and inadequate knowledge among healthcare workers regarding proper bite wound management. Additionally, targeted dog vaccination efforts lack sample collection from biting dogs, and One Health collaboration between veterinary and human health departments is insufficient. These findings underscore the need for enhanced surveillance, mass dog vaccination, improved information exchange, and training for healthcare workers to address the persistent rabies threat in low- and middle-income countries.

Mwanyalu, N., Mwatondo, A., Chuchu, V., Maina, K., Muturi, M., Mutiiria, M., Chepkwony, D., Owiny, M., & Munyua, P. (2025). Documenting challenges in achieving rabies elimination by 2030 in low-middle income countries; a Kenyan case study from Lamu County, 2020–2022: mixed methods approach. One Health Outlook, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s42522-024-00129-1