Sindh launches province-wide anti-rabies campaign

KARACHI, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th May, 2026) Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah launched a province-wide Rabies Prevention Campaign, declaring that the Sindh government would adopt a comprehensive and coordinated strategy to eliminate preventable rabies deaths through mass awareness, improved treatment facilities, vaccination coverage and stray dog population management.

Presiding over a meeting at the CM House, the chief minister said rabies remained a serious but preventable public health challenge and directed all concerned departments to work in close coordination to ensure timely treatment, public awareness and effective preventive measures across the province.

The meeting was attended by Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho, Local Government Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Secretary Local Government Waseem Shamshad, Principal Secretary to CM Asif Jameel, Secretary Information Nadeem Memon, Secretary Health Tahir Sangi, Dr Abdul Bari of Indus Hospital, DG Health Dr Waqar Memon, CEO PPHI Javed Jagirani and other senior officials.

During the briefing, the chief minister was informed that over 285,000 dog-bite cases had been reported in Sindh during 2025, while more than 22 rabies-related deaths were recorded in major hospitals. The CM was informed that 85,891 dog-bite cases had already been documented from January to April 2026.

Launching the campaign, Murad Ali Shah said the Sindh government was determined to strengthen both preventive and treatment mechanisms to save precious human lives. “Rabies is a completely preventable disease, and no citizen should lose their life due to lack of awareness, vaccines or timely treatment,” the chief minister said.

He said the government would ensure the uninterrupted availability of anti-rabies vaccines and immunoglobulin at healthcare facilities across Sindh. “We are adopting a multi-dimensional strategy involving healthcare, local government institutions, rescue services, media and community organisations to tackle rabies effectively,” he added.

The chief minister paid tribute to late infectious diseases expert Dr Naseem Salahuddin, describing her as a pioneer of rabies prevention in Pakistan whose lifelong struggle for a “Rabies-Free Pakistan” would continue to inspire future public health initiatives.

The meeting was informed that under the Sindh Rabies Control Programme launched in 2022, neutering, spaying and vaccination campaigns for stray dogs were being carried out in 20 districts. So far, over 25,500 dogs have been neutered or spayed, while more than 36,900 dogs have been vaccinated through operational Rabies Control Programme Centres in Karachi, Matiari, Dadu and Tando Allahyar and others.

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Minister Health Dr Azra Fazal said 11 additional centres would soon become operational in Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Jamshoro, Khairpur, Mirpurkhas, Umerkot and other districts.

The chief minister directed local government authorities to accelerate dog population management programmes in urban and rural areas. “We need humane, scientific and sustainable measures for stray dog control instead of temporary responses,” Murad Shah said.

The meeting was informed that 278 WHO-standard Rabies Prevention Units had been established across Sindh as Primary treatment centres for dog-bite victims, while 112 WHO-standard referral centres had been activated to manage severe exposure cases, ensuring round-the-clock availability of anti-rabies vaccines and Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG).

Minister Health told the chief minister that anti-rabies vaccine doses for over 63,000 patients and eRIG treatment for more than 8,700 patients had already been provided during the ongoing programme.

Murad Shah directed the Health Department to ensure all referral centres remained fully functional and properly staffed. “No patient should be denied treatment due to a shortage of medicines, staff or facilities,” he said.

The meeting was also informed that extensive training programmes for doctors, paramedics and Rescue 1122 staff were being conducted in collaboration with the Indus Hospital Health Network under WHO-certified guidelines.

A seven-day province-wide awareness campaign through television, print, social media, schools and community outreach programmes was also launched to educate the public about prevention, first aid and timely treatment following dog bites.

The chief minister appreciated the development of a digital ARV Patient Tracking System, designed to monitor dog-bite cases, vaccine administration and follow-up doses across Sindh in real time.

Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah directed the health department to operationalise the digital monitoring system immediately after final approval. “Technology-driven monitoring will help improve response time, ensure accountability and save lives,” he said.

The chief minister also instructed the Information Department to intensify awareness campaigns in urdu, Sindhi and regional languages to maximise outreach at the community level. “Public awareness is the strongest defence against rabies,” he added.