Karachi’s Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) has introduced its own anti-rabies vaccine (ARV), named DowRab, to address the rising incidents of dog bites in Sindh. Reports indicate that approximately one million individuals in Pakistan suffer from stray dog bites annually, resulting in an estimated 5,000 to 6,000 deaths from rabies. The National Institute of Health (NIH) in Islamabad highlights the country’s need for over 2 million doses of anti-rabies vaccine (ARV) each year, with a significant portion imported from India.
Pakistan currently faces a severe shortage of anti-rabies vaccine (ARV), primarily due to pricing disputes. Importers argue that the devaluation of the Pakistani Rupee against the US dollar necessitates a price increase for vaccines and other biological products. However, regulatory authorities have been hesitant to adjust prices, exacerbating the shortage crisis.
