Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah initiated a province-wide Rabies Prevention Campaign, announcing that the Sindh government would implement a thorough and coordinated approach to eradicate preventable rabies fatalities through extensive awareness, treatment facilities, vaccination initiatives, and management of the stray dog population.
During a meeting at the CM House, the Chief Minister mentioned that rabies continues to pose a significant yet preventable public health issue and instructed all relevant departments to collaborate closely to guarantee timely treatment, public education, and effective preventive strategies throughout the province.
The meeting included the participation of 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 from Indus Hospital, DG Health Dr Waqar Memon, CEO PPHI Javed Jagirani, and other senior officials.
During the briefing, the CM was informed that over 285,000 dog-bite incidents had been reported in Sindh in 2025, with more than 22 rabies-related fatalities documented in major hospitals.
The CM was also informed that 85,891 dog-bite cases had already been recorded from January to April 2026.
Launching the campaign, Murad Ali Shah stated that the Sindh government was committed to improving both preventive and treatment measures to protect valuable human lives.
“Rabies is a fully preventable disease, and no individual should lose their life due to a lack of awareness, vaccines, or timely treatment,” Sindh CM added.
He further stated that the government would guarantee the continuous availability of anti-rabies vaccines and immunoglobulin at healthcare facilities throughout Sindh.
Sindh Rabies Control Programme campaigns introduced
The meeting was updated that as part of the Sindh Rabies Control Programme initiated in 2022, campaigns for neutering, spaying, and vaccinating stray dogs are being conducted across 20 districts.
To date, more than 25,500 dogs have undergone neutering or spaying, and over 36,900 dogs have received vaccinations through the operational Rabies Control Programme Centres located in Karachi, Matiari, Dadu, Tando Allahyar, and other areas.
Minister of Health Dr. Azra Fazal further announced that 11 additional centres will soon be operational in Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Jamshoro, Khairpur, Mirpurkhas, Umerkot, and other districts.
Rabies public awareness kicks off across province
A province-wide awareness campaign lasting seven days was initiated through various channels including television, print media, social media, educational institutions, and community outreach programs to inform the public about prevention, first aid, and quick treatment after dog bites.
The CM instructed local government authorities to speed up dog population management initiatives in both urban and rural settings.
The meeting was also informed that 278 Rabies Prevention Units, adhering to WHO standards, have been established throughout Sindh as primary treatment facilities for dog-bite victims.
On the other hand, 112 WHO-standard referral centres have been activated to handle severe exposure cases, ensuring the continuous availability of anti-rabies vaccines and Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG).
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