News Desk
KARACHI: The Government of Sindh and the International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, have joined hands to enhance cooperation in the surveillance and control of livestock diseases and zoonotic infections under the “One Health” concept.
This collaboration was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the ICCBS and the Sindh Institute of Animal Health (SIAH), Karachi, during a meeting held at ICCBS.
The event was attended by renowned scientist Prof. Dr. Atta-ur-Rahman, Professor Emeritus and former Federal Minister for Science and Technology; Senior Advisor Prof. Dr. Shahid Mansoor; and other key officials.
The MoU emphasizes genome sequencing of major disease-causing pathogens, including the Foot and Mouth Disease Virus—a high-priority area. It also includes vaccine matching studies to evaluate the efficacy of current vaccines. Both institutions agreed to collaborate on the development of modern vaccines based on Virus-Like Particles (VLP) technology for more effective disease control.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Raza Shah, Director of ICCBS, and Dr. Nazeer Hussain Kalhoro, Director General of SIAH, signed the MoU on behalf of their respective organizations.
Speaking at the occasion, Prof. Raza Shah highlighted ICCBS’s capability to assist SIAH in developing AI-based dashboards for real-time disease surveillance and outbreak reporting. He also noted that ICCBS has the facilities to conduct clinical trials for products like snake antivenom and rabies vaccines, underscoring the center’s reputation as a leading institution for chemical and biological research in the developing world.
Prof. Atta-ur-Rahman recommended that both organizations submit joint research proposals to the Government of Sindh on mutually beneficial topics.
Dr. Nazeer Hussain Kalhoro stated that SIAH operates under the Department of Livestock and Fisheries, Government of Sindh, and is actively involved in the production of vaccines for animal disease control. He noted that SIAH is a nationally recognized body working to enhance vaccine research, manage emerging infectious diseases, and produce vaccines, sera, and biologics for animal and public health.
According to the MoU, the agreement will remain in effect for five years, with the option to extend by mutual consent.
