Udalguri Rabies Elimination Initiative

Udalguri, located in the northeastern Indian state of Assam, is a district known for its lush tea gardens, ethnic diversity, and forested landscapes bordering Bhutan. Despite its rich ecological and cultural setting, the region faces public health challenges, including the burden of dog-mediated rabies, particularly in vulnerable tea garden and rural communities.

Initial planning meetings with district officials ensured alignment with local priorities. From April to June 2024, KAP (Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices) surveys were conducted with healthcare professionals and paramedics to assess their readiness to manage rabies. These findings will guide future capacity-building efforts.

A qualitative research workshop in May trained volunteers in focus groups and interviews, enriching the program’s ability to capture local perspectives. Between May and July, community KAP surveys, including in 11 tea estates, captured public awareness and behaviour’s related to rabies. Simultaneously, a school-based component surveyed students from 15 schools and trained 18 teachers during an October workshop to embed rabies education in the classroom. Interactive sessions and poster campaigns in December 2024 furthered child-focused awareness.

Parallel dog population studies and GPS collaring in Udalguri and blocks like Rowta, Bandarguri and Kajiamati enabled insights into dog-behaviour and population dynamics, aiding future dog management campaigns. Interviews with traditional healers was also documented to explore the cultural beliefs in the community for treatment of dog bites.

On World Rabies Day, a community event was held at Borengajuli Tea Estate, and IEC materials were distributed widely in schools, colleges and public places of importance. A One Health seminar was organised to Initiate One health at the grassroots level at Udalguri College in February 2025, highlighting collaborative solutions to zoonotic diseases and calling for a local One Health forum broader welfare of the humans, animals and the environment. The initiative stands as a replicable model for rabies elimination through inclusive, community-driven, and evidence-based approaches.