Operational and intercultural challenges of mass rabies vaccination in the Maxakali Indigenous Territory
5 affiliations
- 1Postgraduate Program in Collective Health, René Rachou Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation
- 2Faculty of Health Science, University of Brasília
- 3Federal University of the Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys
- 4Federal University of Minas Gerais
- 5Academic Department, Federal Institute of Bahia
Abstract
Background Rabies is a fatal but preventable zoonosis that disproportionately affects vulnerable populations with limited access to healthcare. Mass vaccination of dogs and cats is the main control strategy, but evidence from Indigenous and remote settings is scarce. The aim of this study was to examine the operational, epidemiological, and sociocultural challenges associated with a mass rabies vaccination campaign implemented in response to a human rabies outbreak in Indigenous communities in Brazil. Methods This qualitative descriptive study with an operational research component was conducted in Maxakali villages, Minas Gerais, after a rabies outbreak (April–May 2022). Data were collected through document analysis, field diaries, and direct observation, and analyzed using thematic content analysis guided by a One Health framework. Epidemiological indicators on vaccinated animals were also assessed. Results A total of 553 animals were vaccinated, including 427 dogs (77.2%) and 126 cats (22.8%), with heterogeneous distribution across villages. Although high operational coverage was achieved, the absence of reliable population denominators limited precise estimation of vaccination coverage. Major challenges included geographical barriers, difficulties in maintaining the cold chain, limited availability of trained personnel, and scarcity of animal restraint equipment. Sociocultural factors, such as language barriers and initial resistance to vaccination, influenced community adherence, which improved through the involvement of Indigenous leaders and health agents. Poor animal health conditions and free-roaming behavior further complicated the campaign. Conclusion Mass rabies vaccination in indigenous territories is feasible but requires context-specific strategies addressing logistics, intercultural communication, and animal management. Strengthening integrated surveillance and community-engaged approaches is essential to improve rabies control.
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BibTeX
@article{junior2026operational,
title = {{Operational and intercultural challenges of mass rabies vaccination in the Maxakali Indigenous Territory}},
author = {Dilceu Silveira Tolentino Júnior and Mateus Aparecido de Faria and Roberto Carlos de Oliveira and Alessandra de Paula Carli and Priscila Garcia Maia and Eliseu Miranda de Assis},
journal = {Discover Public Health},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1186/s12982-026-02830-0},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-026-02830-0},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Operational and intercultural challenges of mass rabies vaccination in the Maxakali Indigenous Territory
AU - Dilceu Silveira Tolentino Júnior
AU - Mateus Aparecido de Faria
AU - Roberto Carlos de Oliveira
AU - Alessandra de Paula Carli
AU - Priscila Garcia Maia
AU - Eliseu Miranda de Assis
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/25
JO - Discover Public Health
DO - 10.1186/s12982-026-02830-0
UR - https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-026-02830-0
AB - Background Rabies is a fatal but preventable zoonosis that disproportionately affects vulnerable populations with limited access to healthcare. Mass vaccination of dogs and cats is the main control strategy, but evidence from Indigenous and remote settings is scarce. The aim of this study was to examine the operational, epidemiological, and sociocultural challenges associated with a mass rabies vaccination campaign implemented in response to a human rabies outbreak in Indigenous communities in Brazil. Methods This qualitative descriptive study with an operational research component was conducted in Maxakali villages, Minas Gerais, after a rabies outbreak (April–May 2022). Data were collected through document analysis, field diaries, and direct observation, and analyzed using thematic content analysis guided by a One Health framework. Epidemiological indicators on vaccinated animals were also assessed. Results A total of 553 animals were vaccinated, including 427 dogs (77.2%) and 126 cats (22.8%), with heterogeneous distribution across villages. Although high operational coverage was achieved, the absence of reliable population denominators limited precise estimation of vaccination coverage. Major challenges included geographical barriers, difficulties in maintaining the cold chain, limited availability of trained personnel, and scarcity of animal restraint equipment. Sociocultural factors, such as language barriers and initial resistance to vaccination, influenced community adherence, which improved through the involvement of Indigenous leaders and health agents. Poor animal health conditions and free-roaming behavior further complicated the campaign. Conclusion Mass rabies vaccination in indigenous territories is feasible but requires context-specific strategies addressing logistics, intercultural communication, and animal management. Strengthening integrated surveillance and community-engaged approaches is essential to improve rabies control.
SN - 3005-0774
ER -