A recently published case study underscores the significance of a One Health approach—collaborating across human and animal health sectors—in combating rabies in Tanzania. The study emphasizes the role of multi-sectoral collaboration in disease control. 

The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Oxford, Ifakara Health Institute, the University of Glasgow, Global Animal Health Tanzania, and Washington State University, provides insights into rabies transmission dynamics and the effectiveness of mass dog vaccination programs. 

Contributing scientists from Ifakara include Kennedy Lushasi, Joel Changalucha, Anna Czupryna, Elaine Ferguson, Maganga Sambo, and Katie Hampson. The findings were published on the CABI Digital Library, a global platform sharing scientific knowledge on agriculture and environmental issues in developing countries.

Linking human, animal, ecosystem health 
According to the researchers, the case study illustrates how preventing rabies in domestic animals can have “wide-reaching benefits,” using examples from different regions in Tanzania. They emphasize that the One Health approach “recognizes the link between human, animal, and ecosystem health.”

Detailing the study’s findings, the scientists reported, “In this case study, we report on how a One Health approach has been successfully implemented to reduce both human and animal rabies cases in areas with very different disease ecology and highlight the importance of transdisciplinary collaboration in this success.”

Success stories from Lindi, Mtwara, Pemba
The study details how the One Health approach has helped reduce rabies cases in regions with distinct disease dynamics. Researchers focus on southern Tanzania’s Lindi and Mtwara regions, where wildlife plays a significant role in rabies transmission, and compare this to Pemba Island, where domestic dog rabies predominates.

Domestic dogs remain the primary cause of rabies
The study confirms that domestic dogs are the main source of rabies in Tanzania, causing most human infections. However, in regions like Lindi and Mtwara, wildlife species, especially jackals, also contribute significantly to rabies cases. Despite concerns that wildlife reservoirs might hinder eradication efforts, the study shows that consistent domestic dog vaccination effectively reduces rabies transmission across all species, including wildlife.

Dog vaccination as a solution for control
In Pemba Island, where mass dog vaccinations were implemented between 2010 and 2014, rabies was successfully eliminated by 2014. However, an outbreak in 2016—linked to imported rabid dogs—underlined the need for ongoing surveillance and vaccination. A swift response through renewed vaccination efforts helped restore the rabies-free status by 2018.

In Lindi and Mtwara, rabies cases declined significantly during vaccination campaigns, however, cases started rising again after vaccination ceased in 2016, proving the importance of continuous interventions.

Sustained vaccination is crucial
The authors strongly recommend keeping mass dog vaccination programs running, as stopping them has been linked to more rabies cases. The study also highlights the importance of Integrated Bite Case Management (IBCM)—a cost-effective way to track rabies cases that identify bite victims, ensuring they receive life-saving post-exposure treatment (PEP).

Policy impact and global support
The findings have influenced Tanzania’s National Rabies Control Strategy (2024) and support the government's efforts to secure funding for human rabies vaccines through international partners such as Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. While improving access to PEP is crucial, the authors emphasize that the best way to stop rabies is by preventing it through widespread continuous dog vaccination.

“Domestic dog vaccination effectively reduced the number of animal rabies cases across all species which led to fewer people being exposed to rabies. By reducing human rabies exposures, we reduce the need for PEP, which can be challenging for people to access due to long travel distances to healthcare facilities and limited availability and affordability.”

Rabies: A preventable yet deadly disease
Rabies is a deadly viral disease that claims tens of thousands of lives each year worldwide. A large proportion of these deaths occur in children under 15 years of age according to a report by the World Health Organization, 2024. These figures are especially shocking given that rabies is a vaccine-preventable disease and that safe and effective rabies vaccines have been available for many decades.

Investing in prevention to achieve “Zero by 30”
In Tanzania, rabies remains a serious health threat, but it can be eliminated with the right strategies such as the One Health approach. This study proves that investing in dog vaccination is both effective and essential, even in areas where wildlife also carries the disease. The researchers urge policymakers, health officials, and international partners to prioritize rabies elimination efforts, aligning with the global “Zero by 30” target to end dog-mediated human rabies deaths by 2030.

With the publication of this case study on CABI Digital Library, these findings are now available to researchers, policymakers, and health professionals worldwide, reinforcing the global commitment to ending rabies through collaborative, evidence-based interventions.

Read the publication here.