Pakistan ranked first in hepatitis C prevalence, says government

The government has launched an initiative in two districts of Gilgit-Baltistan to combat the spread of Hepatitis C, as part of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Hepatitis C Elimination Program, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed Barth, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health announced.

Dr. Barth highlighted the importance of controlling the disease, as Pakistan has now been ranked as the country with the highest prevalence of Hepatitis C globally.

As part of the program, a pilot project has been initiated in two locations in Gilgit-Baltistan, namely MC Chilas in Diamer and UC Mirkhunja in Shigar, in collaboration with the Aga Khan Development Network.

This project aims to provide free screening and treatment facilities to the local population.

Dr. Barth further stated that after evaluating the outcomes of the pilot project, the central program will be expanded this year to all districts of Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir, followed by a nationwide rollout across all provinces.

Highlighting the severity of the issue, Dr. Barth noted that Hepatitis C is a major public health concern in Pakistan, which now leads the world in its prevalence.

To combat the crisis, the Ministry of Health has launched a Rs68 billion Hepatitis C Elimination Program in collaboration with all four provinces.

A comprehensive strategy has been devised to curb the widespread transmission of the disease.

Dr. Barth underscored that Hepatitis C can be treated with a three-month course of medication. However, early detection remains a significant challenge.

Timely screening and treatment are essential in preventing liver failure and liver cancer among affectedindividuals.