Pilot success model: Pakistan eyes Hepatitis C elimination in Gilgit-Baltistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is poised to achieve a groundbreaking public health milestone by eliminating Hepatitis C in Gilgit-Baltistan by the end of this year as part of an ambitious pilot project aimed at demonstrating the country’s capability to eradicate the disease nationwide.

Prof Saeed Akhtar, a key member of the Prime Minister’s Task Force on Hepatitis Elimination and the driving force behind this initiative, outlined the plan during a seminar hosted by The Health Foundation to foster public-private partnerships for combating the disease.

“We are determined to eliminate Hepatitis C from Gilgit-Baltistan to show the world that Pakistan is capable of achieving this monumental task,” Prof Akhtar said in his presentation at the seminar.

The project will involve the screening of over 1.1 million eligible individuals in Gilgit-Baltistan and providing immediate treatment to those testing positive. “Our aim is to screen the entire population above 12 years old and treat all positive cases by the year’s end,” he stated, drawing inspiration from Egypt’s success in eradicating Hepatitis C through mass screening and treatment programmes.

Prof Akhtar emphasised that the pilot project in Gilgit-Baltistan would serve as a proof-of-concept to secure international support for scaling up the program across Pakistan. “We need to show the global community that Pakistan can handle this challenge efficiently,” he said, adding that a successful outcome would strengthen Pakistan’s case for international donor support.

The national programme, with an allocated budget of Rs68 billion, seeks to eliminate Hepatitis C by 2029, mirroring Egypt’s achievement in combating the disease. Prof Akhtar highlighted that political will, robust screening campaigns, safe healthcare practices, and community awareness are pivotal to the programme’s success. Unsafe healthcare practices, including the reuse of syringes and unsanitary medical procedures, are among the leading causes of Hepatitis C transmission in Pakistan. Prof Akhtar stressed the need for a comprehensive overhaul of infection control practices and the implementation of a national blood policy to ensure safe transfusions.

“Many people contract Hepatitis C due to poor infection prevention protocols in healthcare settings. We need a cultural shift to adopt safer medical practices,” he said.

He further urged civil society organisations, healthcare networks, and private institutions to collaborate in the fight against Hepatitis C. “This mission requires collective effort. We need partnerships to enhance screening, treatment, and awareness across the country,” he said.

Representatives from health organisations, including Indus Health Network and Alkhidmat Foundation, pledged their support, offering resources and healthcare networks for screening and treatment efforts.

With approximately 10 million people living with Hepatitis C and over 100 deaths daily due to related complications, the disease remains one of Pakistan’s most pressing public health challenges. The government’s commitment to eliminate the disease has been praised by health experts, who stress that immediate action is essential to prevent a doubling of cases over the next decade.

“This initiative is a critical step toward ensuring a Hepatitis-free Pakistan. The success in Gilgit-Baltistan will be a beacon for nationwide elimination efforts,” Prof Akhtar concluded, expressing hope that Pakistan will emerge as a global success story in public health.