Rabies control through the one health approach

Rabies remains a major yet preventable public health concern, responsible for an estimated 59,000 human deaths each year worldwide, with the highest burden in Asia and Africa. It is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the rabies virus, predominantly transmitted to humans through bites from infected domestic dogs. Despite its preventability, rabies persists due to socio-economic challenges, limited veterinary and healthcare infrastructure, gaps in surveillance, and cultural beliefs that hinder treatment-seeking behavior. The One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, provides a comprehensive strategy for rabies prevention and control. This review synthesizes current knowledge on rabies epidemiology, control methods, vaccination strategies, surveillance systems, public awareness efforts, and capacity-building initiatives. It discusses major challenges including resource limitations, weak health systems, fragmented governance, and cross-border disease dynamics. The article also explores prospects, emphasizing research innovation, multi-sectoral collaboration, environmental integration, and community empowerment. The conclusion reinforces that rabies elimination is achievable through sustained commitment, informed interventions, and cross-disciplinary action. The article ends with a unified One Health message encouraging collective responsibility to protect both human and animal health. Prospects highlight innovations in vaccines, diagnostics, digital surveillance, and policy frameworks needed to achieve the global goal of zero human rabies deaths by 2030. Collaborative One Health interventions remain critical to sustainably eliminate this neglected tropical disease and save lives worldwide.