On World Hepatitis Day, people globally, including in Pakistan, raised awareness about hepatitis and its impact on public health. According to former Drug Regulatory Authority official Dr. Abdul Rashid, over 12 million Pakistanis have hepatitis, with a higher prevalence of hepatitis C. In contrast, hepatitis B is more common in men than women.
Current Situation in Pakistan
In Pakistan, the provinces of Punjab and Sindh are mainly stricken by hepatitis. The Ministry of Health has pronounced a giant burden of hepatitis C in the US, with approximately nine. Eight million instances. Dr. Mukhtar Bharth, the Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Health, emphasized the authorities’s dedication to removing hepatitis through a complete method. The federal and provincial governments are launching a national program worth 68 billion PKR. This initiative seeks to cut down the vast occurrence of hepatitis C.
Nationwide Screening and Treatment
To identify the 9.8 million cases of hepatitis C, the program will screen the population aged 12 and above across the country. Free screening and treatment services will be provided to ensure accessibility. Dr. Mukhtar highlighted several preventive measures to combat hepatitis C, including:
- Always using unused razors, blades, and other disposable items.
- Ensuring licensed practitioners with disposable syringes administer injections.
- Using sterile tools for ear and nose piercings.
- Ensuring blood is screened for hepatitis viruses before transfusion.
- Avoiding unsafe sexual practices.
Government’s Comprehensive Strategy
The government’s approach also includes raising public awareness about hepatitis. Promoting secure practices to prevent the spread of the virus. Integrating federal and provincial efforts within the sixty-eight billion PKR application underscores the importance of a unified approach to address this public health problem correctly. The initiative aims not only to provide remedies but also to implement preventive measures that may notably lessen the incidence of hepatitis in Pakistan.
The observance of World Hepatitis Day in Pakistan highlights the continued efforts and demanding situations in preventing hepatitis. With over 12 million affected people, the authorities’s complete strategy and the nationwide screening software represent crucial steps in the direction of lowering the weight of hepatitis and improving public fitness consequences. The collaboration between federal and provincial governments, along with public attention campaigns, is critical in ensuring the achievement of these projects.
