Sindh faced a growing public health crisis in 2024, with over 300,000 people injured in stray dog bite cases across the province. Citizens are demanding swift action from authorities to control the stray dog population and ensure the availability of anti-rabies vaccines, as cases continue to rise at alarming rates.
Alarming Statistics on Dog Bites
Reports revealed that stray dogs claimed 15 lives in Sindh during the year, with Karachi alone reporting over 50,000 cases and 18 fatalities. This makes Karachi the most severely affected city in the province. The surge in dog bite incidents highlights a critical need for immediate intervention to address the escalating issue.
Government’s Lack of Action
The provincial government’s failure to implement sustained measures has worsened the crisis. A 2018 pilot project aimed at vaccinating and sterilizing stray dogs showed promise, but no follow-up initiatives were undertaken. Without a long-term plan, the stray dog population has continued to grow unchecked, endangering public safety.
Medical Experts Sound the Alarm
Health professionals have raised serious concerns about the lack of preventive measures. Aftab Gauhar, head of the Dog Bite Clinic, and Dr. Romana Farhat, an anti-rabies expert, stressed the urgent need for vaccination campaigns and dog control strategies. They warned that without immediate action, the situation could deteriorate further, putting more lives at risk.
Read: Polio Virus Resurfaces in 10 Districts, Raising Alarms for Public Health
Lack of Vaccines in Hospitals
Adding to the problem, most district hospitals in Sindh are running out of anti-rabies vaccines. Patients from rural areas are forced to travel to Karachi for treatment, placing an additional burden on the city’s already overstretched healthcare system. The unavailability of life-saving vaccines in local hospitals reflects a significant gap in the province’s healthcare infrastructure.
Citizens Demand Action
Frustrated citizens are calling for effective measures to tackle the stray dog menace. They have urged municipal authorities to launch dog control campaigns, including culling operations and sterilization drives. Many believe that such initiatives are essential to restore public safety and curb the rising number of dog bite cases.
Authorities Respond with Excuses
Health Minister Dr. Azra Pechuho stated that managing the stray dog population is the responsibility of municipal authorities. However, residents argue that the government must prioritize the issue and ensure proper coordination between departments to implement effective solutions.
The Way Forward
Addressing Sindh’s stray dog crisis requires immediate action and a collaborative approach. Vaccination and sterilization campaigns must resume to control the stray dog population in the long term. At the same time, municipal authorities must ensure the availability of anti-rabies vaccines in all district hospitals.
The rising number of dog bite cases serves as a wake-up call for the provincial government to prioritize public safety. Without decisive action, this escalating crisis will continue to pose a significant threat to the people of Sindh.
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