ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday stressed the need to raise awareness against hepatitis to break the stigma surrounding the disease and prevent new infections, as the world marks World Hepatitis Day today.
Every year on July 28 the international community marks World Hepatitis Day to raise awareness about the importance of stepping up national and international efforts against the disease, encourage actions and engagement by individuals, partners and the public.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), almost 12 million people in Pakistan are suffering from hepatitis B or C. Each year brings about 150,000 new cases of the disease. Major risk factors for the transmission of hepatitis B and C infection include therapeutic injections, syringe reuse, surgery, improper sterilization of invasive medical devices, blood transfusion, hospitalization and sharing of razors from barbers.
“Raising awareness about hepatitis is essential not only to break the stigma surrounding this disease but also to prevent new infections and ensure timely treatment for those affected,” Sharif was quoted as saying by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
The prime minister noted that the risk for hepatitis infections is particularly high in rural and under-resourced areas due to poor infection control practices.
He said the government is taking concrete measures against the disease, which includes a national program that has already been launched to eliminate hepatitis C.
“The goal is to screen over 165 million people and provide free treatment to all positive cases by 2030,” Sharif said. “This is a national movement that reflects our collective commitment to protecting lives and securing the future.”
Sharif called for encouraging people to get tested for hepatitis, seek medical advice and not refrain from treatment due to fear or stigma. He said Pakistan’s health care professionals, researchers and frontline workers are working tirelessly to curb the disease.
“On this day, we renew our collective responsibility to build a healthy, safe, and hepatitis-free Pakistan,” he concluded.
In a separate message, President Asif Ali Zardari said viral hepatitis continues to pose a public health challenge for Pakistan. He noted that millions of people in the country are silently suffering due to late diagnosis, lack of awareness and inadequate health care services.
“He said we must implement comprehensive strategies that combine mass awareness campaigns, effective vaccination drives, timely screening and access to treatment,” state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported.
