Pakistan Declares Hepatitis C National Emergency

Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has officially declared hepatitis C a national emergency in Pakistan, marking a critical juncture in the fight against the virus. He emphasized the urgency of immediate and coordinated action, stating that the disease is no longer solely a public health concern but a national crisis.

Pakistan contends with a substantial hepatitis C burden, affecting over 10 million individuals, and reporting approximately 110,000 new infections annually. Fortunately, modern antiviral treatments offer a cure for over 95 percent of patients with timely intervention. The Prime Minister's National Hepatitis C Elimination Programme is set to provide free screening, diagnosis, and treatment nationwide.

The program is being implemented in the Islamabad Capital Territory, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan, with a phased rollout planned across all provinces. The ambitious goal is to screen over 164 million citizens. With collective national efforts and WHO support, Pakistan aims to become hepatitis-free by 2030.

Globally, viral hepatitis B and C caused 1.34 million deaths in 2024, with over 4,900 new infections daily. The WHO representative in Pakistan, Dr. Luo Dapeng, reaffirmed WHO's commitment to supporting Pakistan's elimination goals through research, integrated services, prevention, and equitable access to testing and treatment.