‘Rabies a pressing public health issue’

Karachi
Rabies caused by dog-bite has become a public health problem as it claims up to 5,000 lives annually in Pakistan, while the annual dog-bite cases are estimated to be 100,000, medical experts said on Saturday.
They shared these figures while addressing the inaugural ceremony of a ‘Dog-Bite Management Clinic’ at Murshid Hospital.
Dr Amir Hussain, administrator of the hospital, said the centre was started after assessing the dire need of the community. He declared rabies as a public health problem for the country.
Aftab Gohar, coordinator of a rabies programme at The Indus Hospital, highlighted the importance of prompt treatment and post-exposure prophylaxis for the prevention of rabies.
He elaborated upon the current regimen for vaccination and wound management of dog-bite cases.
Dr Shahbaz Rafiq, member of the ‘Rabies in Asia Foundation’ and WHO master trainer for control of rabies, discussed the importance of vaccination.
He informed the audience that the proper use of vaccination in dog-bite cases could save valuable lives.
Rukhsana Razzaq Jaffar urged the doctors and the media to educate the masses about rabies and its prevention.
Anwar Rasheed, president of the Rotary Club of Karachi East, inaugurated the centre and appreciated the efforts of the hospital.