No.19 Implementation of Rapid Diagnostic Kits for the Visualization of Rabies and Practice of a One Health Approach: Lessons from Field Application in the Philippines

  • #Policy Notes
  • In many rabies-endemic countries, the lack of an established diagnostic system has resulted in undetected rabies cases among animals, leaving large “silent zones” where the true infection status remains unknown. The “visualization” of infection is essential for implementing effective control measures.
  • The JICA/AMED JAPOHR Project demonstrated that rapid diagnostic kits (Lateral Flow Devices; LFDs) have accuracy equivalent to the standard direct fluorescent antibody test and can be used safely and quickly in field settings. The introduction of LFDs enabled the detection of rabid animals even in areas where testing had not previously been conducted, thereby strengthening rabies control efforts at the local level.
  • The introduction of LFD-based field diagnosis and a data-sharing system, together with the implementation of a One Health approach involving veterinary, public health, and community stakeholders, accelerated outbreak containment and further strengthened local response capacity.
  • Priority actions include: (1) establishing and strengthening rabies diagnostic systems utilizing LFDs in endemic countries; (2) creating international certification and stable supply mechanisms for high-quality LFDs; and (3) institutionalizing rapid response systems under a One Health approach.

Download

Author
SAITO Nobuo
Date of issuance
January 2026
Number of pages
7
Related areas
  • #Asia
Topics
  • #Health
Research area
Human Development