Hepatitis eradication promised in four years

Islamabad:Planning and development minister Ahsan Iqbal on Monday said the federal government was committed to eliminating hepatitis from the country in the next three to four years.

Addressing a meeting here, the minister said that eradication of hepatitis was possible, as Egypt did so in just three years. He also revealed that the prime minister's initiative for diabetes prevention and control would be launched.

The minister said the focus of the government's healthcare programmes would be on disease treatment as well as prevention through greater public awareness. He said that approach would help reduce the incidence of diseases. On July 28, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for joint efforts to raise awareness and work towards a hepatitis-free future. He also announced the launch of a nationwide campaign to eradicate the infectious liver disease.