Rabies Control in Namibia: Current Epidemiological Status, Stakeholder Knowledge, and Barriers to Elimination

Abstract

Rabies is a fatal but entirely preventable viral zoonotic disease caused by the rabies virus (RABV), a member of the Lyssavirus genus within the Rhabdoviridae family. Rabies is classified as a major Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and remains poorly controlled in many developing countries. It remains a significant public health concern globally, particularly in Africa. Namibia continues to face challenges in eliminating rabies due to a combination of limited resources, weak diagnostic infrastructure, and gaps in vaccination coverage. This cross-sectional study, conducted between January and August 2024, employed a pre-tested, interviewer-administered structured questionnaire to collect data from nine stakeholders involved in the formulation of rabies control policies. This study aimed to evaluate the current state of rabies control in Namibia, stakeholder knowledge levels, identify key challenges, and potential solutions. Findings indicate that domestic dogs are the primary reservoirs of rabies and are res