26 September 2004	Sunday	10 Shaban 1425

KARACHI, Sept 25: The city government has announced to start a month long campaign for the elimination of stray dogs in all 18 towns of Karachi from October 1.

This was said by the City Nazim, Naimatullah Khan, on Saturday while speaking at the end of an anti-rabies awareness walk at Numaish Chowrangi in front of the Quaid's mausoleum.

The walk was jointly organized by the city government, Pakistan Medical Association, Infectious Diseases Society of Pakistan, and local NGOs.

The nazim called upon NGOs, communities and concerned agencies to join hands with the city government in its campaign.

The walk started from the main gate of the Quaid's mausoleum and was participated by over 500 schoolchildren wearing colourful dresses, and holding placards.

It was also participated by Dr Qaiser Sajjad of the PMA, EDO Schools Gul Mohammad Hajiano, EDO Health Dr Fazal Ilahi Memon, TMO Jamshed Town Dr Salma Ali and Prof D.S. Akram.

Mr Naimat expressing concern over the day-by-day increase in dog bite cases stressed that awareness be created among the masses about rabies.

"The city government is making efforts to eliminate stray dogs from the city. Town and Union Council nazims will also participate in this campaign," he added. He was hopeful that the month-long drive would yield fruitful results.

President, IDSP Dr Naseem Salahuddin said 40-50 persons were bitten by dogs every day in Karachi, 20-25 persons of whom were often bitten by a single dog.

She said rabies was caused by a virus transmitted through the saliva of a rabid dog, adding it often proved fatal and was one of the most torturous forms of deaths. The person bitten may die within days or months. "Rabies is 100 per cent preventable if medical attention is sought immediately. The wound must be washed thoroughly with soap, water and must not be stitched," she added.

"Immunoglobulin, which is very expensive, must be given in all serious wounds, and the rabies vaccine series be started immediately. Only cell culture vaccine should be used, as sheep brain vaccine, although free, is unreliable in efficacy, unsafe and may have side effects," she said. Rabies does not spread from person to person, she added.

She said the only way to reduce or eliminate rabies was to rid the city of stray dogs, while pet dog owners should get their pets vaccinated against rabies and obtain and keep vaccination certificates. - PPI