Pakistan Ranks Fifth Globally in Viral Hepatitis Burden, Says PMA
Pakistan has the fifth-highest burden of viral hepatitis in the world, according to the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA), as the country marks World Hepatitis Day.
The PMA said Pakistan ranks behind China, India, Indonesia, and Nigeria in the total number of people living with chronic viral hepatitis.
Millions Living With Hepatitis
PMA Secretary General Dr. Abdul Ghafoor Shoro said an estimated 10 million people in Pakistan are living with chronic Hepatitis C (HCV), while around 3.8 million have Hepatitis B (HBV).
Combined, approximately 13.8 million Pakistanis are affected by chronic viral hepatitis.
According to the association, the national prevalence of Hepatitis C is estimated to range between 4.8% and 7.5%, while Hepatitis B affects 1.1% to 1.7% of the population.
Health Impact
The PMA said complications linked to viral hepatitis, including liver cirrhosis and liver cancer, are responsible for more than 37,000 deaths annually in Pakistan.
Causes of New Infections
Citing data from the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Shoro said Pakistan accounts for a significant share of new global Hepatitis C infections associated with unsafe medical practices.
According to the PMA, an estimated 110,000 new Hepatitis C infections occur in Pakistan each year. The association said many cases are linked to unsafe medical procedures, including inadequately screened blood transfusions, while others are associated with injection drug use.
The PMA also highlighted several factors that may contribute to the spread of hepatitis, including:
- Reuse of non-sterile syringes and medical equipment
- Inadequately screened blood transfusions
- Poor infection control during medical and dental procedures
- Unhygienic practices during body piercing, tattooing, and shaving
- Treatment by unlicensed practitioners
- Limited coverage of the Hepatitis B birth-dose vaccine
President Calls for Stronger Prevention Efforts
In a message issued for World Hepatitis Day, President Asif Ali Zardari described hepatitis as a major public health challenge but emphasized that it can be prevented and treated through early diagnosis, timely medical care, and sustained public health efforts.
He stressed the importance of improving healthcare standards, promoting safe medical practices, strengthening regulations, and increasing public awareness to help reduce new infections.
Parliament Reaffirms Public Health Commitment
National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said early diagnosis, effective prevention, access to quality treatment, and public awareness remain key priorities in addressing hepatitis.
He reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s healthcare system and supporting measures aimed at disease prevention and improved healthcare services.
