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Reliable data are essential for planning, monitoring and evaluating rabies control programmes. But knowing which data to collect – and ensuring they are collected consistently across sectors – is not always straightforward.
The United Against Rabies (UAR) Forum’s Minimum Data Elements (MDE) for Monitoring and Evaluation of National and International Rabies Control Programmes was developed to help countries address this challenge. Bringing together internationally recommended data elements, standard definitions and reporting templates into a single resource, the MDE provides a practical reference for reviewing national rabies data and strengthening programme monitoring and evaluation.
Malawi is one country that has recently used the MDE to support a review of its national rabies data. By working through the document, the national programme has been able to assess its existing data against the recommended minimum dataset, helping identify where information was already being collected, where greater consistency could be achieved and where opportunities existed to strengthen national reporting.
‘Using the MDE helped us to reach a common understanding among various One Health stakeholders and members of the National Rabies Task Force. This has eased the alignment of our strategic plan to the global goal’. Dr Joseph Nkhoma, Central Veterinary Laboratory, Malawi.
The MDE is not intended to replace existing surveillance or reporting systems. Instead, it provides a common reference that countries can use to review the information they already collect, align data with internationally recognised definitions, and organise information using suggested reporting templates. This supports more consistent monitoring of rabies programs over time and facilitates reporting to national and international stakeholders.
Malawi’s use of the MDE sits alongside broader efforts to strengthen the national rabies programme. Through the UAR Forum Country Partnership Programme, Malawi has worked with partners, including Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute and Mission Rabies, to strengthen rabies surveillance, laboratory capacity and national rabies database management, while fostering collaboration across sectors. Together, these efforts have contributed to continued progress, including the recent WOAH endorsement of Malawi’s official control programme for dog-mediated rabies.
Malawi’s experience demonstrates how the MDE can be used as a practical resource to review and strengthen national rabies data. Whether you’re updating existing datasets, reviewing surveillance systems or strengthening programme monitoring, the MDE provides a practical starting point for ensuring that the right information is available to support decision-making.
The MDE is freely available through the UAR Forum and can be used by countries at any stage of programme development.