Barriers to The Rabies Prevention Program in Phu Tho Province

Abstract

Background: In recent years, Vietnam has experienced an increasing number of rabies cases. Phu Tho province was one of among the highest incidence, and number of fatalities caused by rabies, in the country. This paper will present barriers in the program of rabies prevention (RP) in Phu Tho province. Methods: The study employed a qualitative design, and data collection was conducted using semi-structured in-depth interviewing technique. 17 health workers, veterinarian staff and locals were purposively selected. Results: Barriers from the local community were the limited rabies prevention practices of the locals. These include delivering the pets to inoculation against rabies, registering the pets and informing responsible agencies about suspected cases. Barriers from the program were limited vaccination for the pets and communication about rabies and a lack of guidance and inter-agency coordination on rabies prevention. Recommendations: More funding for the RP program should be provided, especially for rabies vaccination for pets; communication about rabies prevention should be promoted; and better coordination among agencies is urgently needed.