A national concern: 10m Pakistanis suffering from Hepatitis C

ISLAMABAD: The presence of approximately 10 million people living with Hepatitis C in Pakistan is not just a national concern but a global health challenge due to extensive international travel by Pakistani expatriates, health officials warned on Saturday.

“We have learned that around 20 million people travel between Pakistan and the United Kingdom annually. These expatriates contribute significantly to the development of many countries. Therefore, Hepatitis C in Pakistan is a global health challenge that demands international support,” Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Health Mukhtar Ahmed Bharath told a seminar on Saturday.

Addressing the seminar organized by the Health Foundation to foster public-private partnerships for hepatitis elimination, Dr Bharath emphasized the need for international assistance to launch a successful hepatitis elimination program modeled on Egypt’s success, noting that Pakistan sought 50% of the resources for this initiative from the global community. He announced plans for a pilot project in Gilgit-Baltistan to screen and treat 1.1 million eligible individuals by year end, showcasing Pakistan’s capability to eliminate the disease. “If Egypt can do it, so can we,” he asserted, commending the government’s allocation of Rs68 billion for the program.

Discussing safe blood transfusions, he revealed that Pakistan is finalizing a national blood policy to ensure safe practices and prevent transmission of blood-borne diseases. He stressed the importance of public awareness to dispel misconceptions linking hepatitis transmission to contaminated water, clarifying that it is a blood-borne infection spread through the exchange of contaminated blood.

Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal underscored the link between public health and economic performance, emphasizing that a healthy population is essential for economic growth. “Poor health weakens economic growth,” he said, reaffirming the government’s determination to combat hepatitis and other health crises. He announced the government’s commitment to eliminating Hepatitis C within three to four years. “If Pakistan can build an atomic bomb, it can eliminate hepatitis too,” he declared and highlighted that this program is part of the government’s broader “Uraan Pakistan” initiative, focusing on key sectors including healthcare. “Our success in this initiative will set a precedent for achieving broader national development goals,” he added. Acknowledging the rising burden of diseases such as diabetes and tuberculosis, Ahsan emphasized that eliminating these health challenges is a national duty. “We must prioritize health to ensure sustainable development,” he stressed, urging continued efforts to maintain political stability and policy continuity for long-term success.

Prof Saeed Akhtar, a member of the Prime Minister’s Task Force on Hepatitis Elimination and focal person for the hepatitis elimination program, highlighted the importance of the Gilgit-Baltistan pilot project in gaining global support. “We aim to screen 100% of our population and treat those who test positive. It’s a monumental task but achievable,” he said, expressing the hope that international donors would support the program upon seeing the government’s commitment.

He expressed admiration for Egypt’s success in hepatitis elimination and stated that Pakistan could achieve similar results. He lauded the government for approving Rs68 billion for the project, emphasizing the importance of screening and treating the entire population.

Prof Huma Qureshi warned that over 100 people die daily from hepatitis C-related complications, including liver failure and cancer. She cautioned that delaying the program would double the number of infected individuals within a decade. “The healthcare system itself has become a source of transmission due to poor infection prevention practices,” she noted, urging improved healthcare training and awareness.

Director General Health Dr Shabana Saleem emphasized collaboration with civil society organizations and NGOs, highlighting the importance of public awareness for the program’s success. She called for the private sector’s involvement in creating awareness and providing support for hepatitis screening and treatment.

Dr Zahid Latif from the Alkhidmat Foundation and representatives from the Indus Health Network assured the government of their full support, offering healthcare networks for screening and treatment initiatives.

The seminar concluded with a unanimous call for coordinated national and international efforts to combat Hepatitis C, positioning Pakistan as a global success story in public health.