Rabies Free Pakistan (RFP)

In response to the growing concerns about dog-bite cases in the country and the culling of dogs, the ‘Rabies Free Karachi’ pilot project was formed. This project started in Ibrahim Hyderi, Bin Qasim Town, in collaboration with leading veterinarians, animal-right activists, community engagement experts, doctors, animal behaviorists, and researchers.

In 2019-20, ‘Rabies Free Karachi’ became ‘Rabies Free Pakistan’ (RFP). Indus Hospital & Health Network signed an MoU of PKR 60 million with Getz Pharma Private Limited to work towards the eradication of Rabies by 2030.

A surgical mobile van was donated by Ghandhara Nissan Motors, while the RFP team also provided training to local government participants for dog catching and vaccination.

From July 1, 2019 to May 30, 2020, the RFP team vaccinated 7,663 street dogs against rabies and sterilized 1,361 dogs across Karachi.

Verocell Trial

Aimed at testing the efficacy of an anti-Rabies vaccine (Verocell) on healthy participants in terms of antibody titer buildup and to report side-effects (if any). The study hopes to potentially shorten the number of doses to accelerate the treatment regimen.

This multi-arm trial is now in the analysis phase and will provide very important information on the efficacy of a Chinese anti-rabies vaccine.

It is a joint study between Infectious Diseases Department and IHRC. The impact of the study findings will be to possibly provide evidence that shortens the number of doses to accelerate the treatment regimen. The blood samples were collected from 85 participants on different days (Day 0, 7, 14, 28, 90, 365, 380).

The lab aspect of this study was done in collaboration with the Biology Department, School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences.

Improve ER Conditions Of Hospitals In Pakistan Using Behavioral Sciences Approch

In 2019, IHRC received a research grant in collaboration with Policy Analytics, a Swiss health research company, and funded by the International Committee of Red Cross. It is a multi-site study with one site at the Hayatabad Medical Complex in Peshawar and one at Indus Hospital & Health Network, Korangi.

The study aims to identify the main drivers of violence against healthcare providers in emergency and to design and test behavioral interventions to reduce violence by hospital staff, patients, and attendants in the Emergency Department (ED). The sites were selected based on the high patient volume in the ED and willingness by the administration to collaborate.

Halo trial

In collaboration with the University of Manitoba, a sepsis trial is planned with the Infectious Disease and IHRC at Indus Hospital & Health Network, Korangi Campus. National Bioethics approval and Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) approvals were sought during 2019-2020. The international team has planned visits to Pakistan twice for site initiation.

The trial is ready to begin enrollment in Pakistan once the COVID-19 pandemic is under control.

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