Implementing mass dog rabies vaccination through a community-based continuous approach: A socio-anthropological...

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Social Sciences

Background:

• Mass dog vaccination is crucial for rabies control, typically using centralized, annual campaigns.
• A decentralized, community-based continuous mass dog vaccination (CBC-MDV) approach was evaluated in Tanzania.
• The socio-anthropological framework was used to assess the CBC-MDV implementation process.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the implementation processes of a decentralized, community-based continuous approach to mass dog vaccination (CBC-MDV).
• To assess the feasibility and challenges of CBC-MDV in a rural Tanzanian setting.
• To identify factors influencing the success of community-based dog vaccination campaigns.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-method process evaluation was embedded within a randomized controlled trial (RCT).
• Data collection included in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, non-participant observation, and activity audits.
• Analysis followed the five domains of the socio-anthropological framework.

Main Results:

• Environmental factors (seasons, access) and social dynamics (community involvement, cultural factors) impacted campaign delivery.
• Implementer motivation (training, resources) and intervention strategies (e.g., central point delivery) influenced effectiveness.
• Governance, including supervision and community appraisal, was constrained by resources but essential for delivery.

Conclusions:

• The CBC-MDV approach is deployable in rural Tanzania, enhancing rabies control efforts.
• Increased community involvement in planning and outcome appraisal can overcome barriers to dog-owner participation.
• The socio-anthropological framework is valuable for understanding intervention delivery in public health initiatives.