Findings from the initial Stepwise Approach to Rabies Elimination (SARE) Assessment in China, 2019

Abstract

In 2015, China and other member states of the United Nations adopted the goal of eliminating dog-mediated rabies by 2030. China has made substantial progress in reducing dog-mediated human rabies since peaking with more than 3,300 reported cases in 2007. To further improve coordination and planning, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, in collaboration with the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, conducted a Stepwise Approach towards Rabies Elimination (SARE) assessment in March 2019. Assessment goals included outlining progress and identifying activities critical for eliminating dog-mediated rabies. Participants representing national, provincial and local human and animal health sectors in China used the SARE assessment tool to answer 115 questions about the current dog-mediated rabies control and prevention programs in China. The established surveillance system for human rabies cases and availability of post-exposure prophylaxis were identified as strengths. Low dog vaccination coverage and limited laboratory confirmation of rabid dogs were identified gaps, resulting in an overall score of 1.5 on a scale of 0 to 5. Participants outlined steps to increase cross-sectoral information sharing, improve surveillance for dog rabies, increase dog vaccination coverage, and increase laboratory capacity to diagnose rabies at the provincial level. All assessment participants committed to strengthening cross-sector collaboration using a One Health approach to achieve dog-mediated human rabies elimination by 2030.

Fig 1. Location of the 12 provinces participating in the SARE Workshop by dog-mediated rabies burden, March 2019, China.

(Note: China CDC and China Animal CDC offices are located in Beijing. SARE referred to Stepwise Approach towards Rabies Elimination).

Fig 2. Summary of results for the National Rabies Program and for 12 Provincial level Programs, by the seven categories outlined in the SARE assessment tool, China, March 2019.

(Note: For each category, the number of pending and accomplished activities are presented. SARE referred to Stepwise Approach towards Rabies Elimination).