Rabies remains one of the most serious zoonotic threats to public health in Indonesia. In 2023, South Central Timor (TTS) Regency recorded the highest number of bite incidents and fatalities in East Nusa Tenggara Province following the declaration of a rabies outbreak (Extraordinary Event). This study aims to analyze the implementation of area-based disease management (ABDM) in the control of the rabies outbreak in TTS Regency.
A qualitative descriptive approach was employed by collecting data through document analysis, in-depth interviews with officials of the Livestock and Animal Health Office, and review of Rabies Task Force coordination activities. Findings indicate that rabies control efforts in TTS Regency continue to face challenges related to vaccination coverage, cross- sectoral coordination, and logistical barriers, particularly in vaccine cold chain maintenance. However, the area-based approach integrating community empowerment, multi-sector partnerships, and emergency risk communication proved effective in reducing transmission risks.
Strengthening multi-sectoral collaboration and maintaining sustainable vaccination programs are key strategies toward rabies elimination in East Nusa Tenggara.