Stray Dogs in Türkiye: A Health Needs Assessment Proposal for Rabies Elimination

Abstract

This review article presents a comprehensive proposal for a Health Needs Assessment (HNA) aimed at eliminating rabies in Türkiye, with a focus on the country's growing population of stray dogs. It highlights the increasing numbers of unowned dogs in urban areas and the associated public health risks, including rabies transmission and dog attacks. The review emphasizes the importance of systematic data collection on the population, living conditions, and vaccination status of stray dogs, and the need for effective strategies to manage these animals. The proposed HNA involves collaboration with a consortium of stakeholders and utilizes frameworks and approaches such as Cavanagh and Chadwick’s 5-stage HNA framework and Stevens & Gillam’s approaches for conducting an HNA. The review outlines a detailed methodology structured into three work packages, focusing on epidemiological data production, identifying unmet health needs, and developing a national strategic rabies elimination plan. It discusses challenges such as consortium formation, data availability, stakeholder engagement, and cultural sensitivity, highlighting the impact and importance of the HNA in addressing rabies and stray dog management in Türkiye.