The operation of Rabies Free Zone of Both Human and Animal Rabies with Community Participation Approach in Kantharawichai District, Mahasarakham Province

Abstract

This study of action research aimd to develop an integrated prevention and control program for rabies in both humans and animals by using community participation approach in an endemic area, Operation of rabies-free areas in Kantharawichai district, Mahasarakham province. The participants were 40 volunteers selected by purposive sampling. The study was conducted in three phases: (1) preparation phase, (2) implementation phase 3 cycles , and (3) evaluation phase Rabies Free Area, Data collection tools were (1) the human and animal rabies investigation and surveillance form, (2) the human rabies investigation and risk group detection form and (3) the rabies exposed person (4) Criteria for declaration of Rabies Free Area form and the qualitative data collected forms for in-depth interview and observation.

The study was conducted during March 2014 –July 2016. The statistics used for analyzing data were percentage and mean; and the content analysis was applied for qualitative data.

In March 2014, the outbreaks in Kantharawichai District was found dogs with rabies. Preparing for surveillance against the disease. The mobilization measures event planning and projects put into practice, the lessons learned in cycle2 to activities and projects, the integrated development model to be “spark model” (surveillance, public relation, arrangement, raising, knowledge) Introduced in the spread of rabies between December 2014 - January 2015 was found no increased in dog rabies during the operation; and all human contacts got complete set of prophylaxis vaccination. There was no mortality reported. The cycle3 preparing to Rabies Free Arae, the coverage of database in animals (98%). the vaccine coverage was (97.61%). The result of creating Rabies Free Area from B (disease in animals but not in humans) to A (No disease in both humans and animals.).The integrated development model led to community strengthening; and the keys success factors were identified to be “spark” To be continued in a strong program of rabies free area, This model should be applied in other setting with similar context.