In 2017, Ethiopia developed a national Rabies Elimination Strategy focusing on four main pillars; mass dog vaccination, provision of pre- and post-vaccine prophylaxis, education and awareness, and increased integrated case-based rabies surveillance system. Implementing the Rabies Elimination Strategy is one of the top priorities of Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health and Ministry of Agriculture (MOA). The UKHSA IHR Strengthening Project (IHR-SP) and WHO partnership has contributed to this for the past two years. This includes supporting the development of the rabies training manual, capacity building using the training manual for health extension workers, animal health assistants, andrabies laboratory technicians.

To complement the Rabies Elimination Strategy, guidelines for rabies case-based surveillance to enhance the integrated rabies surveillance system in the country is being developed. A four-day workshop was organised by UKHSA IHR-SP, WHO, Core group partners project, Ethiopia Public Health Institute (EPHI) and MOA from 6 -9 August 2024 at Bishoftu, Ethiopia. The workshop aimed to finalise the integrated rabies case-based surveillance guidelines to lay the foundation for integrated rabies case-based surveillance systems. Taken together, this work intends to enhance surveillance, response, and reporting in public and veterinary sectors to ensure Rabies Elimination in Ethiopia.

The workshop brought together 37 national and regional public health and veterinary experts including developmental partners like UKHSA IHR SP, WHO, Core group, Food and Agriculture Organization, Global One Health Initiative, EPHI, MOA, Ethiopian Wildlife Authority, Universities, and Addis Ababa Health Bureau.

Image: Rabies case-based guideline workshop participants

During the workshop, Dr.Feyesa Regasa, Head of IHR and One Health (OH) office EPHI, welcomed the participants and thanked them for their contribution in developing and finalising integrated rabies case-based surveillance guideline in Ethiopia. Dr. Baye Ashenefe UKHSA IHR-SP One Health technical advisor presented on behalf of the UKHSA IHR-SP and WHO partnership. The presentation focussed on themes of the partnership, objectives, approaches, and the activities delivered so far in strengthening and operationalising One Health in Ethiopia in collaboration with EPHI, MOA, Ethiopia Wildlife Conservation Authority, Environmental Conservation Authority and other OH developmental partners. He also explained the workshop’s objective and expected outcomes.

The workshop included a presentation on the Rabies Elimination Strategy and the contribution of the proposed rabies case-based surveillance guideline by Dr. Yimer Mulugeta (EPHI). Dr. Wendu (MOA) emphasised that collaboration between the public and veterinary sectors in developing and implementing the guidelines as a cornerstone of fighting Rabies in Ethiopia. Participants were then categorised into two groups for three days of group work to finalise the guidelines. At the end of the workshop, the two groups presented the final draft guidelines for more feedback and approval at the technical level.  

The Rabies Technical Working Group thanked the participants for their active participation and dedicated technical contribution in the workshop. 

The Programme was officially closed by Dr Feyesa Regessa, acknowledging UKHSA IHR-SP, the Core group and other One Health partners.

The guidelines will be approved by officials of the One Health sectors before publication and implementation.