Sindh launches province-wide anti-rabies campaign after 285,000 dog-bite cases and dozens of deaths

KARACHI: Alarmed by the growing burden of dog-bite incidents and rabies-related deaths, the Government of Sindh has launched a province-wide anti-rabies campaign aimed at strengthening prevention, expanding access to life-saving treatment, and accelerating efforts to control stray dog populations.

Chairing a high-level meeting at the Chief Minister’s House, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah announced a comprehensive public health strategy designed to eliminate preventable rabies deaths through improved awareness, uninterrupted vaccine availability, timely treatment, and coordinated action among multiple government departments.

The announcement comes as official figures reveal the scale of the challenge facing the province. More than 285,000 dog-bite cases were reported across Sindh during 2025, while major hospitals recorded over 22 rabies-related deaths. The situation remains concerning in 2026, with 85,891 dog-bite incidents reported between January and April alone.

Calling rabies a serious but entirely preventable disease, the chief minister emphasized that no citizen should lose their life because of a lack of awareness, delayed treatment, or unavailability of vaccines.

“Rabies is a preventable disease, and every possible step must be taken to ensure that life-saving treatment reaches patients without delay,” he said.

As part of the campaign, the provincial government has directed health authorities to ensure uninterrupted availability of anti-rabies vaccines (ARV) and rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) at healthcare facilities across Sindh. The government has also ordered all referral centers to remain fully operational and adequately staffed so that patients can receive immediate treatment regardless of their location.

Officials informed the meeting that Sindh currently has 278 anti-rabies treatment centers providing World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended initial management for dog-bite victims. In addition, 112 referral centers are functioning around the clock with anti-rabies vaccines and rabies immunoglobulin available for severe exposure cases.

The health department reported that more than 63,000 patients have already received anti-rabies vaccination under the ongoing program, while over 8,700 individuals have been treated with Equine Rabies Immunoglobulin (ERIG), a critical intervention for high-risk exposures.

A major focus of the government's strategy is controlling the source of infection through humane and science-based management of stray dog populations. Under the Sindh Rabies Control Program, launched in 2022, dog sterilization and vaccination campaigns are currently underway in 20 districts.

Authorities reported that more than 25,500 stray dogs have been sterilized, while over 36,900 dogs have been vaccinated through rabies control centers operating in Karachi, Matiari, Dadu, Tando Allahyar, and other districts. Health officials further announced that 11 additional rabies control centers are expected to become operational in Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Jamshoro, Khairpur, Mirpurkhas, Umerkot, and other areas.

The chief minister also directed local government authorities to accelerate sustainable stray dog population management programs in both urban and rural areas, stressing that long-term scientific solutions are needed rather than temporary measures.

In a tribute during the meeting, Murad Ali Shah honored late infectious disease expert Dr. Naseem Salahuddin, describing her as one of Pakistan’s foremost advocates for rabies prevention. He said her lifelong efforts toward achieving a “Rabies-Free Pakistan” should continue to guide future public health policies.

To strengthen surveillance and patient follow-up, the government is also preparing to launch an Anti-Rabies Vaccine Patient Tracking System. The digital platform will enable real-time monitoring of dog-bite cases, vaccine administration, and follow-up doses across the province, improving accountability and response times.

Alongside clinical interventions, a seven-day public awareness campaign has been launched through television, print media, social media platforms, schools, and community outreach programs. The campaign aims to educate the public about immediate first aid after dog bites, the importance of seeking urgent medical attention, and the availability of preventive treatment.

Health officials noted that training programs for doctors, paramedics, and Rescue 1122 personnel are also continuing under internationally recognized guidelines in collaboration with the Indus Hospital Health Network.

Public health experts have long warned that rabies remains one of the world's deadliest infectious diseases once symptoms develop, yet it is almost entirely preventable through prompt wound care, vaccination, and access to immunoglobulin treatment. Sindh’s latest campaign reflects an intensified effort to close these gaps and reduce the disease burden across the province.

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