The presence of rabies as a neglected tropical disease (NTD) in developing countries highlights the significant challenges posed by economic constraints and the presence of other NTDs. Rabies, a fatal zoonotic viral disease, remains a public health emergency in regions where limited resources, poverty, and co-existing NTDs create barriers to its effective control. These conditions contribute to the disease’s persistence and hinder the implementation of coordinated eradication strategies.

While rabies is endemic to many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), particularly in Africa and Asia, the lack of adequate public health infrastructure and limited access to post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) exacerbate its impact. This reality underscores the need for targeted interventions that address the broader socio-economic context of rabies transmission and control.

Economic challenges in developing countries significantly limit healthcare and veterinary services, resulting in poor rabies vaccine coverage and inadequate surveillance systems. These issues are compounded by the burden of NTDs, which compete for already scarce resources. Additionally, the costs associated with rabies prevention, including canine vaccination campaigns and PEP, are often prohibitive in low-income settings, leaving many communities unprotected.

Phylogeographic studies of rabies provide critical insights into the virus's transmission patterns and evolution. By analyzing the genetic diversity and geographic distribution of rabies virus strains, researchers can identify regional reservoirs, track cross-border movements, and predict outbreaks. These studies are particularly valuable in developing countries, where gaps in surveillance data often obscure the true burden of the disease. Integrating phylogeographic analysis into rabies control programs can enhance the targeting of interventions and improve the understanding of how socio-environmental factors shape transmission dynamics.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has been instrumental in addressing NTDs, including rabies, through the “zero dog mediated human rabies by 2030 campaign”. However, economic and infrastructural barriers in developing countries necessitate innovative approaches that maximize the impact of limited resources. Regional collaborations, supported by international funding and expertise, are critical to bridging these gaps.

This Research Topic aims to explore strategies for tackling rabies in LMICs settings, with a focus on the interplay between rabies and other NTDs. We welcome a diverse range of contributions, including opinion pieces, systematic reviews, and original research, covering themes such as:
• Phylogeographic Studies: Investigating the genetic diversity and geographic distribution of rabies virus strains to inform targeted interventions;
• Transmission Dynamics: Studies on how rabies spreads within and between human and animal populations, including the role of intermediate hosts;
• Rapid Diagnostics and Surveillance: Development of cost-effective testing and enhanced surveillance systems for early detection and outbreak prevention;
• Vector and Reservoir Control: Identification of animal reservoirs and sustainable strategies for controlling rabies vectors;
• Drug and Vaccine Development: Advances in rabies vaccines, including affordable formulations and novel delivery methods;
• Mass Vaccination Campaigns: Evaluating the implementation and impact of large-scale dog vaccination programs and their cost-effectiveness;
• Case Management and PEP Accessibility: Advancements in individual care and improving access to post-exposure prophylaxis in low-resource settings;
• One Health Approach: Collaborative efforts that integrate human, animal, and environmental health to address the socio-ecological determinants of rabies;
• Policy Frameworks: The impact of varying regional policies on rabies control efforts, including implications of rabies classification on intervention strategies;
• Community Engagement: Exploring the role of education, local initiatives, and participatory programs in the eradication of rabies and other NTDs.

The control and eventual eradication of rabies in developing countries require a comprehensive approach that considers economic constraints and the broader context of co-existing NTDs. By integrating phylogeographic analyses, community engagement, and targeted public health interventions, stakeholders can overcome the challenges posed by resource limitations and achieve sustainable progress in rabies prevention and control.

Impact

Frontiers in Tropical Diseases

Neglected Tropical Diseases