Developing a surveillance, prevention, and control system for rabies along the Thailand-Cambodia border
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59096/wesr.v57i2.7388Keywords:
rabies, Thailand-Cambodia border, surveillance prevention and control systemAbstract
Background: Rabies remains a significant public health problem along the Thailand–Cambodia border, with continuous reports of human deaths and animal infections. There is an urgent need to develop an effective rabies surveillance, prevention, and control system in the border areas through multisectoral collaboration.
Methods: This research and development study aimed to: (1) describe the current situation, problems, and needs of the rabies surveillance, prevention, and control system in the Thailand–Cambodia border areas; (2) develop an improved system for these areas; and (3) evaluate the developed system. The study was conducted in four phases: (1) assessment of problems and needs, (2) development of a prototype system, (3) field implementation, and (4) system refinement and conclusion. The study areas included Surin and Buriram provinces in Thailand and Oddar Meanchey province in Cambodia. The study participants consisted of 50 stakeholders from public health agencies, livestock departments, and local administrative organizations from both countries. Data was collected using in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, knowledge tests, and validated satisfaction questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, pre–post knowledge comparison tests following capacity-building activities, and content analysis of qualitative data.
Results: The developed system comprised four core components: (1) surveillance system structures for human and animal rabies, (2) data integration and use of technology, (3) capacity building of personnel, and (4) collaborative mechanisms for sustainability. Existing rabies surveillance in the border areas faced limitations in data integration, cross-border data exchange, vaccine coverage, and personnel capacity. After implementation, participants’ knowledge significantly increased, and stakeholders reported high to very high levels of satisfaction with the system.
Conclusions: The developed system strengthened rabies surveillance, prevention, and control in border areas and provides an important framework for enhancing sustainable cross-border public health collaboration under the One Health approach.
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