Healthcare

The deaths of Abia, aged 6, and Waqar, aged 4, have reignited fears over dog bites, which reached 285,000 in 2025. At least 37 deaths in 2026: the most vulnerable are the hardest hit. Pakistan Medical Association: urgent action is needed, as if it were a ‘wartime emergency’. Calls are being made for vaccines and control of the dog population.

Government forces have launched heavy raids on rebel positions in Sana’a, Saada, and Taiz. Yesterday, Riyadh accused the Houthis of attacking Madinah, which they deny. The Wall Street Journal reports Beijing is helping the Houthis with dual-use (civilian and military) goods. Yemen’s healthcare system is at the point of collapse.

The tragedy in Birsa, a remote area of Madhya Pradesh, has once again highlighted the vulnerability of villages left without reliable healthcare facilities. Adivasi organisations are on strike because of government indifference. The Church stands by isolated populations.

Following the fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences which killed 14 newborn babies, the families are demanding justice. One mother told AsiaNews: “It was not God’s will.” Bishop Shukardin expressed his condolences and called for those responsible to be brought to justice. The National Commission for Children’s Rights is calling for an investigation.

The police intervened, detaining hundreds of women who were demonstrating peacefully at Bilawal House in Karachi. For years, they have been calling for a structured framework for their service and career progression. Nasira Parveen: the programme is a ‘legacy’ of Benazir Bhutto and the PPP must safeguard it.

The memorandum of understanding is part of a post-cyclone reconstruction aid package. Some 600 million rupees (about US$ 1.8 million) will go to Deniyaya Hospital for cutting-edge equipment in several critical areas. Healthcare cooperation is a fundamental pillar of the partnership between the two countries.