Evaluating the Effectiveness of Community-Based One Health Programs in Rabies Prevention and Control

A rigorous mixed-methods case study design was employed, integrating quantitative household surveys and health records with qualitative interviews and focus group discussions, to evaluate the effectiveness of selected One Health initiatives implemented between February and May 2025. This comprehensive assessment critically examined the efficacy of community-based One Health interventions aimed at rabies prevention and control across four urban centers in Ethiopia: Shashemene, Hawassa, Kuyera, and Wondo Genet. Utilizing a stratified sample of 384 respondents, data collection encompassed both quantitative and qualitative dimensions to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to rabies. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were applied to analyze quantitative findings, while thematic analysis was employed to interpret qualitative data. The findings revealed a high level of rabies awareness (93.8%) and strong belief in its preventability (83.3%), predominantly attributed to timely vaccination. Participation in One Health programs was significantly associated with increased vaccination coverage, improved health-seeking behaviors, and strengthened disease surveillance and reporting systems. Nonetheless, persistent knowledge gaps were identified in rural populations, where traditional healing practices and prevalent misconceptions regarding transmission pathways continued to impede effective prevention efforts. Educational attainment was found to be a strong determinant of rabies awareness; individuals with secondary education or higher exhibited markedly greater odds of possessing accurate knowledge, as confirmed by regression analysis. Programs in Shashemene and Hawassa emerged as particularly impactful, demonstrating enhanced intersectoral coordination, robust community engagement, and effective monitoring mechanisms. The study concludes that the One Health paradigm when operationalized with cultural competence, institutional integration, and ongoing evaluation offers considerable potential for rabies elimination. It recommends that policymakers institutionalize One Health frameworks, invest in infrastructure development, and intensify community-based educational initiatives, especially in marginalized settings, to reduce rabies transmission risks and promote resilient public health systems.