Author Information
Pahurat K. Taisuwan, Ministry of Public Health, ThailandSaengduan Moonsom, Mahidol University, Thailand
Abstract
Rabies remains a significant public health challenge in high-risk communities, where limited awareness, cultural beliefs, and misconceptions hinder prevention efforts. This study integrates ethno-epidemiological insights within a One Health framework to enhance rabies awareness and community engagement. Ethno-epidemiology examines local beliefs and practices related to disease, helping to design culturally sensitive health messages. When combined with the multidisciplinary approach of One Health—connecting human, animal, and environmental health—this strategy promotes sustainable, community-centered interventions that are more acceptable and effective. Targeted educational activities conducted by the Thailand One Health University Network (THOHUN) and outreach programs aimed to improve understanding of rabies transmission and prevention. A total of 137 community health volunteers (VHVs), mainly women over 35 from various provinces, participated in a two-day workshop involving lectures and field surveys. Their risk communication skills improved significantly, with scores rising from an average of 26 to 41, as many moved from middle or low to higher levels. Participants reported increased knowledge (98), confidence in sharing information (59), expanded networking (53), and valuable practical experience (52). Some expressed hopes for salary increase, rewards, or career promotions. VHVs effectively conveyed culturally relevant rabies prevention messages, promoting responsible pet ownership and stray dog management. Recognizing indigenous beliefs helped build community trust and compliance, strengthening control efforts. Intersectoral collaboration among health, veterinary, and environmental sectors further supported sustainability. This integrated ethno-epidemiological and One Health approach offers a promising model for rabies elimination and can be adapted for other zoonotic diseases in similar high-risk settings.
Paper Information
Conference: ACEID2025Stream: Interdisciplinary
This paper is part of the ACEID2025 Conference Proceedings (View)
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To cite this article:
Taisuwan P., & Moonsom S. (2025) Community-Based Risk Communication for Raising Awareness of Rabies in High-Risk Communities in Thailand: A One Health Perspective ISSN: 2189-101X – The Asian Conference on Education & International Development 2025 Official Conference Proceedings (pp. 515-525) https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2189-101X.2025.38
To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2189-101X.2025.38
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