Introduction

Rabies remains a fatal yet preventable zoonotic disease causing approximately 59,000 deaths globally every year, with most cases occurring in Africa and Asia. Arua City has one of the highest reported dog-bite burdens in Uganda.

Problem Statement

  • Low awareness about rabies prevention
  • Poor dog vaccination coverage
  • Limited community engagement
  • Weak coordination between human & animal health sectors

Objectives

  1. 1
    Assess community knowledge, attitudes & practices
  2. 2
    Develop an RCCE model for rabies prevention
  3. 3
    Test effectiveness of the RCCE intervention
  4. 4
    Assess community acceptability
Community dog representing community-centered rabies prevention

Community-centered rabies prevention through RCCE strategies and One Health collaboration.

Methods

FGDs: 5 Focus Group Discussions (40 participants)
KIIs: 7 Expert Key Informant Interviews
Workshop: Half-day RCCE training intervention
Evaluation: Pre & post-test knowledge assessment
Dog vaccinationCommunity engagement

Implementation Flow

KAP Assessment
↓
RCCE Model Design
↓
Pilot Intervention
↓
Evaluation & Feedback

Results

Rabies burden indicators — Arua City retrospective study

71%
Dog Bite Cases
55%
Unprovoked Bites
29%
Adults 18–35

Source: Arua City retrospective rabies and dog-bite study findings

Discussion

  • Improved rabies awareness and prevention practices
  • Enhanced community participation in health programs
  • Strengthened One Health multi-sector collaboration
  • Evidence base for scaling RCCE interventions

Conclusion

“Community engagement and effective risk communication are essential to eliminate dog-mediated rabies deaths by 2030.”