World Rabies Day spotlight: Pakistan’s preventable toll
As World Rabies Day is observed on September 28 under the theme "Act Now: You, Me, Community", Pakistan faces a stark reminder: rabies claims about 1,000 lives each year, with children bearing the heaviest burden. The toll points to deep gaps in awareness, timely care, and access to vaccines and post-exposure treatment, especially in rural and low-income communities.
A preventable tragedy: who suffers
Public health experts warn that dogs are responsible for up to 99% of human rabies cases, and children aged 5 to 14 are disproportionately affected. In many cases, a dog bite leads to a preventable tragedy because care and vaccination after exposure are delayed or unavailable. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, making prevention essential.
Why rabies remains deadly but preventable
Rabies is a viral disease of the central nervous system. The incubation period typically ranges from two to three months but can vary from a week to a year depending on the bite site and viral load. Early symptoms may include fever, pain, and tingling at the wound, ultimately progressing to severe brain and spinal cord inflammation. In a country with limited access to timely care, these early signs can be the difference between life and death.
Globally, WHO reports that rabies imposes an economic burden of about USD 8.6 billion annually through lost lives, medical costs, and the psychological toll on families. This stark figure underscores the broader impact beyond the human tragedy and highlights the cost of inaction.
Lifesaving steps for families and communities
Health experts stress that immediate action can stop most rabies deaths. Dr Mohammad Irfan Habib, Medical Director of ChildLife Foundation, told Dawn that "Rabies does not have to claim lives; it is 100% preventable if the right steps are taken immediately."
Key steps for anyone exposed to a suspected rabid animal include:
- Wash dog-bite wounds with soap and water for at least 15 minutes to reduce viral load.
- Seek emergency care without delay to begin post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and assess the need for rabies immunoglobulin.
- Complete the prescribed vaccination schedule for post-exposure protection, even if the wound seems minor.
Communities can also help by reporting stray dogs, supporting vaccination drives, and ensuring rural clinics maintain a steady supply of vaccines and PEP kits.
Public health priorities to close the gaps
Experts urge sustained investment in dog vaccination campaigns, improved access to emergency care and PEP, and robust public education about bite prevention and wound care. For Pakistan to reduce the burden, a multi-sectoral approach is needed: veterinary services to curb rabies in dog populations, government-subsidized or free PEP programs, and rural health infrastructure that can deliver timely care close to home.
World Rabies Day: a call to action
The current crisis in Pakistan illustrates that rabies is a big moral and public health issue, but one with a clear solution. By combining mass dog vaccination, rapid treatment after exposure, and community education, preventable deaths can fall dramatically. The message is simple: act now, together, to protect every child and every family from a disease that is 100% preventable when actions are taken promptly.
Quick facts about rabies
- Rabies is almost always fatal after symptoms appear if not treated promptly.
- Dogs account for the vast majority of human rabies cases.
- Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is highly effective when started promptly after exposure.
- Protecting communities requires vaccination of dogs and accessible care for bite victims.
With World Rabies Day as a reminder, Pakistan can turn the tide by combining prevention, rapid care, and sustained public education to save thousands of lives each year.
