Introduction

Rabies is a neurotrophic zoonosis. 60,000 victims worldwide every years. The rabies virus is transmitted to humans by the bite of a rabid animal, by licking a wound, scratches and by contact with the virus via an open lesion. The DRC Disease Control Department (DLM) reported 162 deaths due to this disease in Kinshasa between of 2009 to 2016. According to the same institution, the prevalence of people exposed to rabies has decreased from 9.9% in 2009 to 1.3% in 2016.

Objectives

To evaluate the integrated management of rabies in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Investigative strategy

This is a transversal, qualitative study, based on semi-structured interviews, structured questionnaire surveys and the review of registers at the level of public institutions. These data allowed to establish a score by actor, classifying them by level of collaboration and the strength of the professional links between the various actors was graphically represented. A radar diagram was developed based on criteria such as understanding the contributions of interdisciplinarity, willingness and motivation of actors to work in intersectoral collaboration.

Results

The identification of the actors revealed the existence of two major groups. Thus, there is a weakness in the surveillance of this disease, due to a lack of communication of the epidemiological data between the actors involved. The level of interaction and collaboration between actors is low. Since there is no rabies control program, let alone appropriate funding, the actors are not motivated to work in interdisciplinarity.

Discussion and perspectives

Some institutions are not involved in rabies management because there is no disease control program. Such a program should define the task of each actor, involve the currently missing actors and should benefit from modes of financing stimulating intersectoral collaborations.

Key words: Integrated management - Zoonosis - Rabies - DRC - One Health

Supervisors

Profesor Nathalie Kirschvink, University of Namur, Belgium

Profesor Benoît Muylkens, University of Namur, Belgium

Co-Supervisors

Profesor Nicolas Antoine-Moussiaux, University of Liège, France

ProfesorPhilippe Kone, Head of the ECTAD project, FAO, Democratic Republic of Congo

Dr. Kazadi Erick, University of Kinshasa/Unikin, Democratic Republic of Congo

Funding

Commission de la Coopération au Développement