Islamabad: On World Hepatitis Day, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif announced a nationwide campaign to eradicate Hepatitis C in Pakistan, emphasizing urgent actions against the disease which affects millions globally.

According to Press Information Department, the Prime Minister’s message focused on the theme “It’s time for action,” urging immediate measures to combat hepatitis, a disease that causes liver inflammation and severe complications if untreated. Pakistan reports a high burden of Hepatitis C, with 10 million infected individuals contributing to the global count of 60 million cases. The Prime Minister highlighted the risk of a potential liver cancer epidemic if proactive steps are not taken.

The government has previously made strides in fighting viral hepatitis with awareness campaigns, vaccination programs, and expanded access to testing and treatment. The new initiative aims to decentralize testing and treatment facilities, tailor services to community needs, and align with the Global Strategy for Hepatitis. The Prime Minister reassured that all Pakistani citizens would have free access to screening and treatment facilities for Hepatitis C.

Reflecting on his tenure as Chief Minister of Punjab, Sharif cited the establishment of the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Transplant Institute and Hepatitis Filter Clinics across all 36 districts of Punjab as benchmarks for the current campaign. The ongoing efforts are dedicated to improving health outcomes, increasing work productivity, preventing liver cancer, and reducing premature deaths from Hepatitis C.

On World Hepatitis Day, the Prime Minister called for unified efforts to raise awareness, support affected individuals, and pursue a future free from viral hepatitis, aiming to foster a healthier and more prosperous nation.