PREVENTION: WINNING THE FIGHT AGAINST RABIES THROUGH ONE HEALTH

Rabies remains one of the oldest and most feared zoonotic diseases and continues to pose a major public health challenge despite the availability of effective vaccines and proven preventive strategies. The disease is unique because it is generally fatal once clinical symptoms develop, yet virtually every death is preventable through timely intervention. Dogs remain the principal reservoir hosts, responsible for most human rabies deaths in endemic countries, while wildlife reservoirs contribute to disease ecology in several regions of the world. Rabies disproportionately affects rural and economically vulnerable populations and continues to cause substantial human suffering and economic losses. This article presents a comprehensive overview of a One Health perspective, particular emphasis is placed on practical aspects, frequently encountered in veterinary field practice, including common misconceptions, exposure assessment, and the importance of mass dog vaccination and community awareness. Although survival from clinical rabies is exceptionally rare, timely wound care, appropriate post-exposure prophylaxis, and coordinated One Health interventions can prevent virtually every rabies death. The article highlights that rabies elimination is scientifically achievable and that sustained collaboration between veterinary, medical, public health sectors and community participation remains essential for achieving the global goal of zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030