{"id":917,"date":"2026-11-07T08:41:04","date_gmt":"2026-11-07T08:41:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dashboard.bluntlinenetwork.com\/en\/?p=917"},"modified":"2026-11-07T08:41:04","modified_gmt":"2026-11-07T08:41:04","slug":"pakistan-faces-alarming-hepatitis-c-crisis-as-reported-cases-reach-12-9-million","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dashboard.bluntlinenetwork.com\/en\/2026\/11\/07\/917","title":{"rendered":"Pakistan Faces Alarming Hepatitis C Crisis as Reported Cases Reach 12.9 Million"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Pakistan has reportedly become the country with the highest number of hepatitis C infections worldwide, with approximately 12.9 million people affected. According to a report presented in the National Assembly citing World Health Organization (WHO) figures, hepatitis-related complications are placing thousands of lives at risk. The government has launched emergency measures, including free screening and treatment, to control the spread of the disease.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is facing a serious public health challenge as the number of people affected by hepatitis C has reportedly reached 12.9 million, raising concerns about the country’s healthcare system and the growing burden of liver-related diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to a report presented in the National Assembly on November 7, 2026, Pakistan has the highest reported number of hepatitis C patients in the world. The report cited data attributed to the World Health Organization and highlighted the urgent need for nationwide prevention, screening, and treatment programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The increasing number of infections has become a major concern for health authorities, particularly because hepatitis C can remain undetected for years before causing serious liver damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Zia, head of the Prime Minister’s Hepatitis Elimination Program, expressed concern over the situation and stated that Pakistan currently ranks first globally in terms of hepatitis C cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He also claimed that one person dies approximately every 20 minutes due to complications associated with hepatitis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These figures underline the seriousness of the disease and the importance of early diagnosis and timely medical treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The report further stated that approximately 20,000 people in Pakistan develop serious complications, including liver cancer and liver cirrhosis, every year as a result of hepatitis-related illnesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hepatitis is a condition that causes inflammation of the liver. Several types of hepatitis exist, but hepatitis B and hepatitis C are among the most significant causes of chronic liver disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hepatitis C is caused by a virus that primarily spreads through contact with infected blood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the biggest challenges associated with hepatitis C is that many infected individuals do not experience noticeable symptoms during the early stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, people may remain unaware of their infection for several years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Without appropriate treatment, chronic hepatitis C can gradually damage the liver and may eventually lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, hepatitis C is treatable, and modern antiviral medicines can cure more than 95 percent of infections in many patient groups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Health experts emphasize that early testing and access to effective treatment can prevent serious complications and reduce deaths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The spread of hepatitis C in Pakistan has been linked to several unsafe medical practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to medical experts, the reuse of contaminated syringes, improperly sterilized surgical instruments, unsafe blood transfusions, and inadequate infection-control procedures contribute significantly to the transmission of the virus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unqualified medical practitioners and healthcare facilities that fail to follow proper sterilization procedures can also increase the risk of infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dental procedures performed with contaminated instruments and the use of previously used needles are additional concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Medical professionals stress that healthcare providers must follow strict infection-prevention measures to protect patients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People are also advised to avoid unnecessary injections and ensure that new, sterile needles and properly cleaned medical equipment are used during treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Importantly, hepatitis C does not spread through ordinary social contact, including shaking hands, hugging, sharing meals, or sitting near an infected person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Public awareness is therefore essential not only for preventing transmission but also for reducing the stigma faced by patients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In response to the growing health crisis, the federal government has initiated measures under the Prime Minister’s Hepatitis Elimination Program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As part of the initiative, free hepatitis screening is being offered to residents of Islamabad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Individuals who test positive during initial screening are being provided with further diagnostic services and treatment without charge, according to the program’s officials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The government is also working to expand these services to other areas of the country so that more people can receive timely medical attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Health authorities believe that large-scale screening is particularly important because many people with hepatitis C remain unaware that they are infected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An initial hepatitis C antibody test can identify people who have been exposed to the virus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, a positive antibody test does not necessarily mean that a person currently has an active infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Further testing, usually through an HCV RNA test, is required to confirm whether the virus is present in the blood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once an active infection is confirmed, doctors can recommend an appropriate treatment plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Modern hepatitis C treatment commonly involves oral antiviral medicines taken for approximately 8 to 12 weeks, although the duration may vary depending on the patient’s medical condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These treatments have significantly improved recovery rates and reduced the risk of long-term liver complications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unlike hepatitis B, for which vaccination is available, there is currently no approved vaccine for hepatitis C.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This makes safe medical practices, screening, and timely treatment especially important in controlling the disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Pakistani government has set a target of eliminating hepatitis as a major public health threat by 2030, in line with international disease-elimination goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Achieving this target will require coordinated efforts involving federal and provincial health authorities, hospitals, laboratories, medical professionals, and local communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experts believe that expanding access to affordable treatment and improving infection-control practices are essential steps toward reducing the number of new infections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Public awareness campaigns can also help people understand how hepatitis spreads and why early testing is necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The government will need to ensure that screening and treatment facilities are accessible not only in major cities but also in rural and underserved areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Strengthening the regulation of healthcare facilities and discouraging unsafe medical practices will be equally important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reported figure of 12.9 million affected people highlights the scale of Pakistan’s hepatitis C challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The disease creates a substantial burden on patients, families, and healthcare institutions, particularly when infections are detected at advanced stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For many families, the costs associated with medical tests, treatment, and complications can create additional financial pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Free screening and treatment programs could therefore play an important role in improving access to healthcare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the long-term success of these initiatives will depend on their reach, consistency, and effectiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Health experts continue to stress that hepatitis C should not be ignored simply because symptoms are absent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People who may have been exposed to infected blood, unsafe injections, or improperly sterilized medical instruments should seek medical advice about testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Early detection can allow patients to receive treatment before serious liver damage develops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pakistan’s reported hepatitis C figures have raised an important question about whether the country can achieve its 2030 elimination target.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although the government has begun expanding screening and treatment services, controlling the disease will require sustained investment, effective public health policies, and stronger infection-prevention standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For now, the National Assembly report has brought renewed attention to the seriousness of hepatitis C in Pakistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With millions reportedly affected and thousands facing potentially life-threatening complications, health authorities are under increasing pressure to strengthen prevention and treatment efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The success of Pakistan’s hepatitis elimination strategy will depend on identifying infections early, ensuring access to effective medicines, and preventing new cases through safer healthcare practices.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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