Islamabad: The President of Pakistan has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to eradicating viral hepatitis, underscoring the importance of World Hepatitis Day as a moment to focus on one of Pakistan’s major public health challenges. The government has introduced a national program aimed at providing free screening, diagnosis, and treatment for Hepatitis C, with initial operations successfully underway in Islamabad.

According to Press Information Department, Pakistan carries one of the world’s highest burdens of Hepatitis C, impacting millions and straining the healthcare system. The government has identified the reuse of unsterilized medical equipment, unsafe syringe practices, unscreened blood transfusions, and unsanitary conditions in barbershops and salons as primary contributors to the epidemic. The national strategy includes strict regulation and enforcement, as well as widespread public awareness campaigns to mitigate these risks.

The Prime Minister’s National Programme for the Elimination of Hepatitis C Infection has screened over 10,000 individuals in Islamabad and plans to extend its reach to Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Provincial governments are also implementing independent Hepatitis C elimination programs, contributing to the national effort.

Despite financial challenges, the government is prioritizing resources for this health initiative, emphasizing partnerships with provincial authorities, development partners, and civil society. The success of this program relies on the collective efforts of healthcare professionals, researchers, and citizens to promote awareness and encourage safe practices.

The President expressed gratitude to healthcare workers and urged citizens to participate in screening and treatment initiatives, with the ultimate goal of eliminating Hepatitis C as a public health threat by 2030, in alignment with World Health Organization targets.