Abstract:
Background: Rabies remains a major health concern in the Philippines, including the province of Agusan del Norte, where it persists mainly due to irregular dog vaccination coverage, delayed health care, poor data tracking, insufficient funds and manpower, and limited coordination between the veterinary and human health sectors. To address these gaps, the province integrated the One Health Approach into its rabies program to strengthen coordination between veterinary and human health services. It introduced digital reporting through the Rabies Management Information System (RabMIS) and improved the financial mechanism for program sustainability.
Methods: This study used a retrospective longitudinal design, reviewing veterinary, clinical data, and operational data from 2010 to 2025. Descriptive epidemiology and interrupted time series analysis assessed trends in dog vaccination coverage, animal rabies cases, animal bite consultations, Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) adherence, immunoglobulin administration, and human rabies cases. The study also described how RabMIS supported reporting and coordination and reviewed financial records from 2017 to 2025 to assess sustainability.
Results: Results showed canine rabies vaccination varied over the study period but generally stayed near the 70% target. It remained stable after the One Health program implementation in 2016, declined during the pandemic, and recovered in 2024 to 2025. Animal rabies cases, mostly in dogs, dropped sharply after 2016, with no cases from 2020 to 2024, though cases reappeared in 2025. After the implementation, animal bite consultations increased, likely reflecting better public awareness, care-seeking behavior, and improved access to treatment centers. The PEP uptake remained high, rabies immunoglobulin administration improved, and human rabies deaths declined.
Conclusions: The One Health model in Agusan del Norte improved surveillance, enhanced bite management and reporting, and fostered coordination between veterinary and human health services. By combining digital monitoring and sustainable financing, it offers a practical strategy for rabies control and elimination.
Keywords: rabies control, One Health, post-exposure prophylaxis, animal bite surveillance, program evaluation, Agusan del Norte, Philippines
Biography:
To be updated shortly..
