Rabies control in Ghana: Stakeholders interventions, challenges and opportunities
Benjamin Obukowho Emikpe 1, Derrick Adu Asare 1, William Tasiame 2, Sylvester Segbaya 3, Prince Nana Takyi 1, Emmanuel Allegye‐Cudjoe 4
1
Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST)
Kumasi
Ghana
2
Department of Public Health, School of Veterinary Medicine
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST)
Kumasi
Ghana
3 John Hopkins Centre for Communication Programs
Accra
Ghana
4 Veterinary Services Directorate, Ministry of Food and Agriculture
Accra
Ghana
Abstract
Background Rabies remains a significant public health issue in Ghana, predominantly affecting rural communities with limited access to health care and veterinary services. The disease is primarily transmitted through bites from infected domestic dogs and leads to many deaths worldwide each year. Despite various interventions, Ghana continues to struggle with rabies control and prevention. This narrative paper focuses on rabies control in Ghana, examining stakeholders' interventions, challenges faced, and opportunities available.
Methods The paper reviews existing rabies control measures in Ghana, including dog vaccination efforts and One Health strategies. It also discusses the limitations of these interventions, such as minimal vaccination coverage, weak surveillance, and inadequate intersectoral coordination.
Results Ghana has implemented dog vaccination campaigns, but coverage remains minimal. Additionally, weak disease surveillance, cultural perceptions, and inadequate coordination across sectors have hampered the country's ability to control rabies effectively.
Conclusion Adopting One Health principles, which integrate human, animal, and environmental health efforts, is emphasized as a critical strategy to eliminate rabies in Ghana by 2030. By addressing these challenges and leveraging available opportunities, Ghana can strengthen its rabies control programs and work toward a rabies‐free future.
Keywords: challenges; ghana; interventions; one health; public health; rabies control.
Top articles about Travelers' Health
Search | Advanced search
Articles by topics
My bibliography
Access your favorite articles, annotate and compile them by folders or export them in ENDNOTE format!







