ISLAMABAD, July 28 : Pakistan has made significant progress in combating viral hepatitis through awareness campaigns, vaccination programmes, and improved access to testing and treatment, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Sunday in marking World Hepatitis Day.
“However, there is still much work to be done, and we must continue to prioritise hepatitis prevention, ensure early diagnosis, and provide affordable and accessible treatment options for all,” Sharif was quoted as saying in a statement.
Pakistan has a very high burden of hepatitis C infection, having 10 million infected cases out of 60 million hepatitis C cases globally, he said.
The South Asian country is facing an epidemic of hepatitis C, and it is feared that it may also see an epidemic of liver cancer if necessary actions to prevent and eliminate viral hepatitis are not taken, Sharif added.
“I am pleased to announce a nationwide campaign aimed at eradicating Hepatitis C, and as a part of this noble endeavour, our focus will be on decentralising testing and treatment centres, ensuring that the services provided are tailored to the needs of our citizens, in alignment with the global strategy,” according to the prime minister.
(UNI)
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