World Rabies Day shines a light on a preventable crisis in Pakistan
As the global health community marks World Rabies Day on September 28 under the theme “Act Now: You, Me, Community,” Pakistan faces a stark reminder: rabies continues to claim about 1,000 lives each year, with children bearing the brunt. The toll underscores gaps in awareness, timely access to care, and the reach of emergency vaccination services, especially in rural and low-income regions.
Voices from the frontlines
Dr. Mohammad Irfan Habib, Medical Director of the ChildLife Foundation, emphasizes that rabies is 100% preventable when the right steps are taken without delay. He notes that many children in poorer areas are exposed to dog bites and that delays in receiving post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) can turn survivable injuries into tragedy. “Every parent and caregiver must know the lifesaving steps: wash dog-bite wounds with soap and water for at least 15 minutes, seek emergency care without delay, and complete the vaccination schedule,” he said in remarks cited by Dawn.
What makes rabies so deadly—and why it doesn’t have to be
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), rabies is a viral disease that attacks the central nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. Dogs account for up to 99% of human cases, and children aged 5 to 14 are among the most affected groups. The disease’s incubation period typically ranges from two to three months but can vary from a week to a year depending on bite location and viral load. Early signs—fever, pain, and tingling at the bite site—can quickly progress to brain and spinal cord inflammation, making rapid intervention critical.
Globally, the economic burden of rabies is estimated at about USD 8.6 billion annually, reflecting lost lives, healthcare costs, and the psychological toll on families. This broader impact amplifies the importance of prevention, not just treatment, in breaking the cycle of transmission.
Turning prevention into action: the steps Pakistan must take now
Public health specialists say the crisis in Pakistan reveals an urgent need for widespread dog vaccination campaigns, improved access to emergency care, and robust public education. The most immediate and actionable steps include:
- Ramp up dog vaccination campaigns to reduce transmission risk in communities, particularly in rural areas where dog bites are common.
- Strengthen and standardize access to PEP, ensuring timely treatment for anyone exposed to a suspected rabid animal.
- Educate communities about first-response actions after a bite, including wound cleaning and seeking prompt medical care.
- Establish and sustain rapid referral systems so exposed individuals reach facilities that can provide PEP and, when needed, rabies immunoglobulin.
- Invest in surveillance to monitor dog bites, bite incidents, and vaccination coverage to guide policy and funding.
A collective responsibility
World Rabies Day serves as a call to action for families, healthcare workers, educators, and policymakers. By combining vaccination efforts with accessible emergency care and clear public guidance, Pakistan can dramatically cut fatalities from a disease that is entirely preventable. The path forward rests on coordinated community efforts and sustained investment in prevention, so a child’s life isn’t lost to a preventable bite.
Looking ahead
Addressing rabies in Pakistan requires a multi-pronged approach: scale up vaccination, improve emergency care access particularly in underserved areas, and empower communities with knowledge and practical steps. With continued advocacy on World Rabies Day and beyond, the country can move closer to a future where rabies no longer claims innocent lives.
