Alarming Number of Infections as Pakistan Faces Hepatitis Crisis
The World Health Organization (WHO) has sounded the alarm on the growing hepatitis crisis in Pakistan, where 13.8 million people are living with hepatitis B and C.
The warning came on World Hepatitis Day, with the WHO highlighting that Pakistan carries the world’s highest burden of hepatitis C.
In a statement, WHO officials noted that only 25–30 per cent of infected individuals are aware of their condition, preventing timely treatment and increasing the risk of liver cancer and other complications.
Under the global theme “Let’s Break It Down,” WHO has called for a streamlined approach to treatment, prevention, and testing. The organisation stressed the need for vaccinations, safer injection practices, and better health services to curb the disease. Their goal is to eliminate hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030.
The WHO also reaffirmed its support for the Prime Minister’s National Programme for the Elimination of Hepatitis C, which aims to test half of Pakistan’s eligible population and treat five million patients by 2027.
WHO representative Dr. Dapeng Luo assured continued technical and strategic support for Pakistan in addressing the crisis.
President Asif Ali Zardari, in a separate statement, appealed to all sectors of society—including the private sector, media, and civil society—to take part in a joint effort against hepatitis. He emphasised the importance of awareness and vaccination, especially in rural areas.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that a national campaign was underway to screen over 165 million people by 2030 and offer free treatment to those who test positive. He also highlighted the dangers of unsafe medical practices and unregulated blood transfusions as major sources of infection.
