Pakistan has successfully created its first locally developed anti-rabies vaccine, marking a major step forward in the country’s health sector. The announcement was made by Federal Health Minister Dr. Nadeem Jan, who confirmed that the vaccine has completed all required safety tests and is now ready for use.
National Institute of Health develops affordable rabies vaccine in Pakistan
The Vaccine Production Division of NIH Islamabad developed the vaccine after working on the project for several years. The primary aim was to provide a cost-effective and accessible rabies treatment for the local population, especially for people living in rural and low-income areas where dog bite cases are common and vaccines are not always available.
Pakistan has long struggled with limited access to rabies vaccines. Until now, the country relied heavily on imported anti-rabies vaccines, mostly from India, China, and Europe. These imported vaccines were not only expensive but often delayed due to supply chain issues, particularly during health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic.
By producing its own vaccine, Pakistan expects to save millions of rupees annually, improve public access to treatment, and create a more resilient healthcare supply system.
Rabies remains a serious health threat in Pakistan’s rural communities
Rabies is a fatal viral disease that spreads to humans through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, usually a dog. If left untreated, rabies almost always leads to death. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 59,000 people die globally from rabies every year, with the highest number of cases found in Asia and Africa.
Local health departments in Pakistan report more than 150,000 cases of dog bites annually. These incidents frequently occur in rural areas, where limited access to medical care and vaccines hampers timely treatment.
Pakistan aims to export its locally developed rabies vaccine to neighboring countries
Beyond local use, Pakistan’s NIH is also looking into the possibility of exporting the vaccine to neighboring countries and regions that face similar shortages. Countries in South Asia, Central Asia, and parts of Africa may benefit from affordable access to a vaccine that meets international quality and safety standards.
The Ministry of Health confirmed that it developed the vaccine according to guidelines set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and is negotiating with international health bodies to secure export permissions.
