There’s a sigh of relief for people in Sindh province, Pakistan, whose dogs have bitten.
A well-respected medical university, Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS), has developed its own anti-rabies vaccine (ARV) called “Dow Rab”. This is a big deal because it will help people get the treatment they need to avoid rabies, a deadly disease.
More affordable treatment: Currently, Dow Rab is available in Sindh, but it will soon be rolled out across the country. The university says they can deliver the vaccine anywhere in Pakistan within 48 hours of a phone call! Even better, the entire course of treatment will only cost 1,500 rupees (which is less expensive than some other options).
Locally made vaccine: While the first batch of Dow Rab uses materials imported from China, the university is committed to making the vaccine entirely in Pakistan. This will make it more affordable and reliable in the long run. They’re already working on producing an additional 170,000 doses using Pakistani materials.
Combating rabies: Rabies is a serious problem in Pakistan, with millions of dog bites happening each year and thousands of deaths from rabies. This new vaccine will help fight this disease and save lives.
This is a big accomplishment for DUHS. They’ve already shown their dedication to healthcare by developing an immunoglobulin treatment (IVIG) during the COVID-19 pandemic, which helped many patients recover. Dow Rab is another important step forward in protecting the health of people in Pakistan.