Project to eliminate Hepatitis-C starts in GB

ISLAMABAD: A pilot project under “Prime Minister’s National Programme for Elimination of Hepatitis-C Infection” has been launched in two union councils of Gilgit-Baltistan.

The project is aims at screening entire population within 14 days. Those who test positive will be provided free treatment.“This initiative marks a significant step in our fight against Hepatitis-C. Once we assess the success of this pilot, we will expand the programme nationwide”, said Prof Saeed Akhter, Chairman of Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute (PKLI) and member of Prime Minister’s Task Force on Hepatitis-C Elimination.

The programme, backed by federal and provincial governments, has an initial allocation of Rs68 billion.Dr Mukhtar Ahmed Bharat, Coordinator to Prime Minister on Health, emphasised this initiative aims to ensure early detection through widespread screening, PCR testing and treat-ment - all provided free of cost.

Pakistan has the highest prevalence of Hepatitis-C in the world, surpassing Egypt, which successfully eliminated the disease through a concerted national effort.“Our goal is to replicate Egypt’s success by ensuring mass screening, awareness and access to effective three-month oral treatments”, said Dr Bharat.

The pilot project, launched in MC Chilas (Diamer) and UC Markunja (Shigar) in collaboration with Aga Khan Development Network, will help refine strategy before the programme is rolled out across Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and other provinces later this year.

Dr Bharat urged civil society, professional groups, academia and media to support the campaign by spreading awareness, providing equipment and assisting healthcare workers in educating communities about prevention and treatment.