Pakistan’s Ministry of Health, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), has launched an ambitious plan to accelerate efforts against hepatitis C, aiming to prevent 850,000 deaths and 1.1 million new infections by 2050. The initiative, implemented through the Prime Minister’s National Programme for the Elimination of Hepatitis C, is expected to save billions in healthcare costs and significantly reduce the disease burden in the country.
During an event chaired by Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal, health officials and experts reaffirmed their commitment to tackling hepatitis C, emphasizing the urgency of immediate action. The minister highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach, noting the millions already affected and the continuing rise in new cases. He called upon stakeholders across the country to unite in this national mission.
The event, held in connection with World Hepatitis Day, underscored the economic benefits of prevention, with experts noting that every dollar invested in hepatitis prevention could generate an economic return of eleven dollars. The implementation of the Prime Minister’s Programme is projected to save 150,000 lives and prevent 210,000 new infections by 2030. Additionally, it could avert 90,000 liver cancer cases and 71,000 cirrhosis cases, while saving approximately 3.3 billion Pakistani rupees in treatment and hospitalization costs over the next five years.
Dr. Dapeng Luo, WHO Representative in Pakistan, highlighted the devastating consequences of hepatitis, pointing out that one person dies every 30 seconds from hepatitis-related liver disease or cancer. He stressed the importance of prevention, committed WHO’s continued support, and advocated for the adoption of international best practices tailored to the Pakistani context.
Pakistan faces the world’s highest burden of hepatitis C, with 10 million cases out of an estimated 50 million globally. Each year, 110,000 people in the country become infected, primarily due to unsafe medical practices and injection drug use.
Under the theme “Let’s break it down,” WHO is encouraging policymakers and health authorities to simplify and expand access to hepatitis services, including vaccination, safe medical practices, harm reduction, and especially widespread testing and treatment. WHO reiterated its support for Pakistan’s goal to test half of the eligible population aged 12 and above, and treat five million people by 2027, as part of a broader push to eliminate hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030.
