INTRODUCTION

Rabies is a public health concern in the Philippines, where gaps in animal bite prevention and control persist despite national mandates. The One Health approach is a framework which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Although the Anti-Rabies Act of 2007 aligns with the One Health strategies, its implementation at the local level faced many challenges in coordination, delivery of service, and program sustainability.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the factors influencing the acceptability of One Health approach among key stakeholders as a strategy in the prevention and control of animal bites and rabies in the municipality of Alaminos, Laguna.

METHODOLOGY

A qualitative Grounded Theory design was used in the study. Eleven key informants from the provincial, municipal, and barangay levels were interviewed.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONCONCLUSION

Thematic analysis of key informants’ responses revealed that, despite limited awareness of the One Health approach, multi-sectoral coordination aids program implementation, although operational gaps remain. Fragmented program delivery, lack of formal training and certification, unclear roles, poor communication, inactive task forces, outdated ordinances, weak enforcement, limited community engagement, and low prioritization of rabies prevention collectively hinder effective implementation.

CONCLUSION

The study highlights the complex challenges of implementing the One Health approach for animal bites and rabies control in rural communities. Effective implementation requires strengthened stakeholder capacity-building and training, enhanced community engagement, improved access to veterinary services, reinforced intersectoral coordination and policy enforcement through revitalized task forces, and ongoing monitoring of progress through vaccination coverage and incidence data.

Animals ; One Health ; Public Health ; Environmental Health ; Program Evaluation ; Bites And Stings ; Rabies