Findings from the initial Stepwise Approach to Rabies Elimination (SARE) Assessment in China, 2019

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Veterinary Medicine
• Epidemiology

Background:

• China committed to the UN's 2030 goal for dog-mediated rabies elimination.
• Significant progress has been made since 2007, with reported cases decreasing substantially.
• Cross-sectoral collaboration is crucial for achieving rabies elimination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess progress and identify critical activities for dog-mediated rabies elimination in China.
• To evaluate current rabies control and prevention programs using the SARE tool.
• To inform future strategies for rabies elimination.

Main Methods:

• A Stepwise Approach towards Rabies Elimination (SARE) assessment was conducted in March 2019.
• 115 questions were answered by national, provincial, and local human and animal health sector representatives.
• The SARE tool was used to evaluate existing rabies control and prevention programs.

Main Results:

• Strengths include established human rabies surveillance and post-exposure prophylaxis availability.
• Identified gaps include low dog vaccination coverage and limited laboratory confirmation of rabid dogs.
• An overall SARE score of 1.5 out of 5 indicated areas for improvement.

Conclusions:

• Key steps include enhancing cross-sectoral information sharing and improving dog rabies surveillance.
• Increasing dog vaccination coverage and laboratory diagnostic capacity are critical.
• A One Health approach and strengthened collaboration are essential to meet the 2030 elimination goal.