Sindh becomes first province to launch rabies programme

Project director urges people not to harm stray dogs

KARACHI:

To control the population of stray dogs and rabies in Sindh, the provincial government launched the Rabies Control Programme Sindh on Monday.

Launching first ever such government programme in Pakistan, Project Director Syed Muhammad Afzal Zaidi said that three rabies centres have been set up in the city. “We plan to establish 41 such centres across province the by next year,” he announced at the launch ceremony of the initiative at a private hotel.

Sharing the details, Zaidi said that there were different unreliable studies about the population of stray dogs but added that the population was around 1.2 million in the province. “It is not solely the fault of these animals,” Zaidi highlighted.

“It’s also our attitude towards them which prompts them to harm us,” he explained. He urged the public not to harm these animals. He said that culling was one of the old methods to control the population of stray dogs. “It is an inhumane method.”

To spread the programme across the province, Zaidi said veterinary doctors, staff and vehicles will be needed. “It is not so easy, but we are committed and will successfully achieve our targets,” he said. Sindh Local Government Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah said that he has been asked about the programme from his party leadership, especially Aseefa Bhutto Zardari.

He said different partners, including The Indus Hospital (TIH), have helped the government during the initial phase. “We all have to help each other to achieve our targets,” he urged. “It’s a paradigm shift,” said Local Government Secretary Najam Shah. He added that the old methods did not work. “The work that has been started will be successfully accomplished.”

Dr Naseem Salauddin of the TIH said that her organization started the pilot project from different areas of the city, including Ibrahim Hyderi, Korangi, Landhi and the South district. “Over 40,000 dogs have been vaccinated,” she said. “About 8,000 dogs have also been neutered.” “We should work together to make a rabies-free province,” Dr Salauddin said.

The head of TIH Dr Abdul Bari said that Sindh has become the first province in Pakistan that has launched this programme. “I hope other provinces will follow suit,” he urged. Replying to a question, the LG Minister said that there was no shortage of rabies vaccine anywhere in Sindh. “We have enough stock,” he said. He added that his government was criticided for the shortage of rabies vaccine. The minister continued that the programme will be spread across the province very soon.