Progress towards rabies control and elimination in Vietnam

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Public Health
• Zoonotic Disease Control
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Rabies is a fatal zoonotic disease causing approximately 59,000 human deaths annually, primarily in Asia.
• Vietnam faces endemic canine rabies but is actively pursuing disease elimination.
• Rabies is a high-priority zoonotic disease in Vietnam, necessitating significant government and international investment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of Vietnam's animal and human health systems concerning rabies.
• To review past, current, and future strategies for rabies prevention and control in Vietnam.
• To highlight the importance of political commitment and resources for achieving canine rabies elimination.

Main Methods:

• Review of government policies and national programs for rabies control.
• Analysis of interventions including post-exposure prophylaxis, legislation, and One Health collaboration.
• Assessment of international partner support (OIE, WHO, FAO, CDC) in rabies control efforts.

Main Results:

• Human rabies deaths in Vietnam decreased from 404 in 1992 to 74 in 2017 due to sustained efforts.
• The National Rabies Program (established 1996) catalyzed increased resources and interventions.
• International partnerships enhanced awareness, dog population management, surveillance, and diagnostics.

Conclusions:

• Vietnam's rabies control program has shown substantial success in reducing human mortality.
• Achieving dog-mediated rabies elimination requires sustained political will and adequate funding for vaccination coverage.
• Continued multisectoral collaboration and strengthened health systems are vital for future progress.