Overview of Hepatitis C Elimination Efforts in Pakistan and the Launch of Prime Minister’s Programme for the Elimination of Hepatitis C

Authors

  • Huma Qureshi National Focal Point Hepatitis, Islamabad,
  • Saeed Akhter Kidney Transplant Surgeon, Pakistan Liver Kidney Institute, Lahore,
  • Hassan Mahmood Coordinator, National Technical Advisory Group on Viral Hepatitis, Ministry of National Health, Services, Regulations and Coordination, Islamabad,
  • Saeed Hamid Professor of Medicine, Consultant Gastroenterologist, Director, Clinical Trials Unit, Aga Khan University, Karachi,
  • Ammara Naveed Consultant Hepatologist, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute and Research Centre, Lahore,
  • Aamir Ghafoor Khan Head of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar,
  • Shabana Saleem Director General Health, Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination Islamabad,
  • Mariyam Sarfraz Director Programs, Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation & Coordination, Islamabad,
  • Atiya Aabroo Deputy Director Programmes (I), Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation & Coordination, Islamabad,
  • Ambreen Arif Senior Researcher, Doctors Plaza, Clifton Karachi, Pakistan.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47391/JPMA.24-97

Abstract

Hepatitis B and C are serious viral infections that cancause liver damage and death. According to the WorldHealth Organization (WHO), there are currently 2.8 millionpeople living with hepatitis B in Pakistan, and 9.8 millionpeople living with hepatitis C.1 These numbers representa significant burden of disease for the country. Thecurrent prevalence of hepatitis B in Pakistan is 1.1%,which corresponds to one-quarter of the burden of thedisease in the Eastern Mediterranean region.1 Theprevalence of hepatitis C is 7.5%, which is the highest inthe world. Almost 37,000 people die each year in Pakistandue to hepatitis B and C.2 The high prevalence of hepatitisB and C in Pakistan is a major public health concern. Theseinfections can lead to serious health complications,including liver cancer and cirrhosis. The economic cost ofhepatitis in Pakistan is also significant, due to lostproductivity and healthcare expenses.

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Published

2024-11-17

How to Cite

Huma Qureshi, Saeed Akhter, Hassan Mahmood, Saeed Hamid, Ammara Naveed, Aamir Ghafoor Khan, Shabana Saleem, Mariyam Sarfraz, Atiya Aabroo, & Ambreen Arif. (2024). Overview of Hepatitis C Elimination Efforts in Pakistan and the Launch of Prime Minister’s Programme for the Elimination of Hepatitis C. Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, 74(12), 2188–2190. https://doi.org/10.47391/JPMA.24-97

Issue

Section

COMMENTARY