Islamabad, July 28, 2023 (PPI-OT): we commemorate World Hepatitis Day to raise awareness about the critical issue of hepatitis and related diseases in Pakistan. Hepatitis B and C viruses pose significant public health threats, causing immense morbidity and mortality worldwide. In the Eastern Mediterranean Region, a staggering 80% of the hepatitis C disease burden lies in Egypt and Pakistan. While Egypt has made commendable progress in combating hepatitis C, regrettably, our country remains a major contributor to this burden in our region. Hepatitis C is a dangerous, silent disease, often carrying no signs or symptoms until it has done significant damage to the liver. We must realize that individuals infected with this virus continue to carry it for years, putting them at high risk of advanced-stage liver disease and cancer.

To ensure the well-being of our nation, we need to prioritize the screening and early diagnosis of hepatitis C cases. Presently, Pakistan has the world’s largest population of patients living with Hepatitis C, a staggering 10 million cases. It is our duty to actively screen our entire population and promptly treat those found positive. Without timely action, the number of HCV-infected cases in Pakistan may rise exponentially, leading to a devastating liver cancer epidemic. The consequences are alarming: numerous deaths, liver cirrhosis cases, and a significant burden on our economy. We cannot let this happen; we must take action today to secure a healthier and prosperous future for our nation. On World Hepatitis Day, we reaffirm our commitment to making hepatitis prevention, control, and elimination a national priority.

We are scaling up screening, testing, and treatment efforts while emphasizing preventive interventions nationwide. We must address the risk factors of the disease urgently, such as ensuring safe blood transfusions, using auto-disable syringes, strict infection control practices in healthcare settings, and implementing hepatitis B birth dose and adult vaccination. I call upon all healthcare workers, stakeholders, and citizens to join hands in this crucial endeavour. Let us spread awareness about hepatitis prevention, screening, and treatment throughout our communities. Together, we can create a healthier and brighter future for Pakistan, free from the burden of hepatitis and its related diseases by protecting the health of our people.

For more information, contact:

Principal Information Officer,

Press Information Department (PID)

Tel: +92-51-9252323, +92-51-9252324

Fax: +92-51-9252325, +92-51-9252326

Email: piopid@gmail.com

Website: www.pid.gov.pk