Islamabad (Web Desk): World Hepatitis Day is being observed today (Monday) across the globe including Pakistan.
The theme of the day this year "Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down " emphasizes the critical need to break down obstacles hindering prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of hepatitis in the region.
The day is dedicated to raising awareness about viral hepatitis, which is a major cause of serious liver diseases and liver cancer.
On the occasion of World Hepatitis Day, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif issued separate statements highlighting the urgent need for greater public awareness and united national efforts to tackle the spread of hepatitis in Pakistan.
President Zardari pointed out that viral hepatitis remains a pressing public health concern, with countless individuals continuing to suffer in silence due to delayed diagnoses, limited awareness, and insufficient healthcare infrastructure.
He emphasized the importance of adopting a holistic and well-coordinated national approach to address the issue.
The president called for the implementation of robust strategies that include widespread public education campaigns, comprehensive vaccination programs, early and regular screening, and ensuring that those affected have timely access to medical treatment.
Echoing the President’s concerns, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the government’s determination to eradicate hepatitis and safeguard the health of the nation.
He underscored the serious steps being taken to curb the disease and announced the launch of the Prime Minister’s National Programme for the Elimination of Hepatitis C.
The initiative aims to screen more than 165 million individuals across the country by the year 2030, offering free medical treatment to every person diagnosed with the virus.
The two leaders, leaders emphasized the necessity of a collaborative and strategic response, involving public participation and institutional support, to effectively overcome the hepatitis challenge and move toward a healthier future for all citizens.
Meanwhile, The World Health Organization's (WHO) Eastern Mediterranean Region commemorated World Hepatitis Day with a renewed commitment to eradicating viral hepatitis as a significant public health threat by 2030, the state TV reported.
According to WHO, around 27 million individuals in this region live with chronic hepatitis, with 15 million affected by Hepatitis B and 12 million by Hepatitis C. In 2022, the region recorded 183,000 new cases of Hepatitis C, 86,000 new Hepatitis B infections, and 97,000 deaths related to hepatitis — all of which were avoidable fatalities.
Despite these challenges, the region is making notable progress in eliminating Hepatitis C, with Egypt achieving the WHO's "Gold Tier Status" for its efforts. Since 2018, deaths related to Hepatitis C in Egypt have dropped by 35%. Meanwhile, Pakistan is working to build the capacity to treat about half of its Hepatitis C-infected population, which is estimated at 5 million people, by 2027.
However, Hepatitis B continues to be a neglected concern in the region. Only 14% of those infected with Hepatitis B are diagnosed, and fewer than 2% of diagnosed patients receive treatment. Additionally, the coverage of the Hepatitis B birth dose vaccine barely reaches half of the global target of 90%, exposing a significant gap in early prevention measures.
The WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean has stressed the importance of stronger political commitment and ongoing investment to expand effective interventions.
These include Hepatitis B vaccination, universal testing and treatment for all affected individuals, integration of hepatitis services into maternal and child health programs, sustainable funding, and strategies driven by reliable data.
In a passionate appeal, the Regional Director urged governments and partners to intensify and renew their collaborative efforts to overcome barriers to hepatitis elimination in the region. "Together," she said, "we can eliminate hepatitis and save precious lives."