Rabies control in Liberia: Joint efforts towards zero by 30

Despite declaration as a national priority disease, dog rabies remains endemic in Liberia, with surveillance systems and disease control activities still developing. The objective of these initial efforts was to establish animal diagnostics, foster collaboration between all stakeholders, develop short-term action plan estimated costs for elimination Liberia. Four diagnostic tests, the direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) test, immunohistochemical test (dRIT), reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay rapid immunochromatographic (RIDT), were implemented at Central Veterinary Laboratory (CVL) Monrovia July 2017 February 2018. Seven samples (n=7) out eight suspected animals confirmed positive lyssavirus, molecular analyses revealed that isolates belonged Africa 2 lineage, subgroup H. During comprehensive in-country One Health stakeholder meeting 2018, practical workplan, an accurately costed mass vaccination strategy developed. Liberia is currently stage 1.5/5 Stepwise Approach towards Rabies Elimination (SARE) tool, which corresponds countries are scaling up local-level interventions (e.g. campaigns) level. Overall 5.3 – 8 million USD invested over 13 years needed eliminate by 2030. has long road become free from dog-rabies. However, dialogue relevant stakeholders took place, considerably improved through implementing diagnosis CVL. joint diverse international laid important foundations achieve goal zero dog-mediated human deaths