Daily Times

As if Pakistan needed any further reminder of how its public healthcare system continued to fail its citizens, an alarming report from the World Health Organisation points to its emergence as the unfortunate frontrunner in the battle against viral hepatitis C. With one in every 20 Pakistanis already infected and the general prevalence said to be at over 11 percent of the adult population, the country now faces a formidable public health crisis that demands immediate attention.

These numbers are not merely statistics. They relate to the unimaginable suffering experienced by countless Pakistanis and their families. Hepatitis C is feared as a silent predator: slowly eroding the health of millions, often without noticeable symptoms until it reaches advanced stages. The consequences are devastating, with liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and a high mortality rate looming as very real threats.

Although there has been much emphasis on the deadly cocktail that contributes to this high prevalence, unscreened blood transfusions continue; unsafe injection practices remain the norm among drug addicts; inadequate sterilization of medical equipment has become an acceptable practice, and the public suffers from limited access to healthcare services in remote areas. Perhaps, a stark comparison with the global prevalence (hovering around one per cent) might ring alarm bells for the authorities, who have yet to come up with a roadmap to effectively combat the burgeoning crisis.

Some of the efforts undertaken by the government (establishment of the National Hepatitis Strategic Framework, vaccination drives, and awareness campaigns) have indeed yielded positive outcomes, but unfortunately, there still remains a gap in their implementation.

There’s a dire need for concerted efforts to enhance public awareness about the risks; mode of transmission and preventive measures. Government-funded campaigns can play a crucial role in reaching out to communities across the country, dispelling myths, and dispelling the stigma associated with hepatitis. Just as important is strengthening the health infrastructure to improve accessibility in both rural and urban areas, particularly in underprivileged communities.

Screening programs should be expanded with an emphasis on high-risk populations, including healthcare workers, prisoners, and those with a history of exposure to contaminated blood or needles. A hepatitis-free Pakistan might sound like an elusive goal. However, increased collaborations and sustainable funding mechanisms can help combat this epidemic and ensure a healthier and prosperous future. *