Introduction: Rabies is a fatal zoonotic disease, killing thousands of people every year in Africa and Asia. Rabies control requires regular vaccination of dogs, as dog bites are the main source of rabies in these regions. Appropriate wound management and immunisation directly following a dog bite can save human lives (Lavan, 2017). In spite of canine rabies vaccine and medical treatment being readily available free of charge in South Africa, rabies continues to affect communities (Weyer, 2015). Participatory reflection and action (PRA) is a collaborative engagement methodology that aims to enable communities to take ownership of and responsibility for addressing challenges, using assets already present in the community (Chambers, 2017). This study utilised PRA with a community in a rural village in South Africa, in an attempt to raise awareness and action with regards to rabies control.
Methodology: Eight human participants were purposively selected and participated in several PRA sessions over 11 months. An instrumental case study design was used for this participatory study utilising qualitative data. Data consisted of materials produced during the participatory engagements which included mapping exercises, photovoice, poster making and transect walks, as well as audiovisual recordings of group discussions. Data were analysed utilising thematic inductive analysis.
Main results: Rabies awareness was initially not a priority for the participants, due to more pressing socio-economic issues and traditional and cultural beliefs. Over time, rabies was brought to the foreground resulting in active participation in a community rabies awareness project. Participants’ attitudes towards dogs changed during the course of the intervention, contributing to new perceptions regarding rabies control and interactions with dogs. Participants actively framed and disseminated the message of rabies control within their community.
Principal conclusions & implications for the field: This study indicated that building of trust and confidence during repeated participatory engagements resulted in changed perceptions and actions. PRA offers a potential methodology for recognising and mobilising strengths and capacities within communities to address challenges related to the human-animal relationship.