Addressing a National Conference themed ‘Invest in Eliminating Hepatitis from Pakistan’ in connection with the World Hepatitis Day annually observed on July 28, the president said the prevalence of hepatitis B and C in 15 to 20 million people of Pakistan was alarming.
The event was attended by Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Health Dr Zafar Mirza, Regional Director WHO Dr Ahmed Salim Al-Mandhari, Assistant Director General Universal Health Coverage, WHO Dr Ren Minghui and health experts from various local and international institutions.
He said the vehicle to transmit the virus of both hepatitis and HIV were same like the unsafe blood transfusion and reuse of syringes which needed to be tackled to avert any volcanic situation. He said Egypt had brought down the hepatitis prevalence from 13 percent to 3 percent in juts 10 years and it was also doable for Pakistan.
However, the president strongly advocated for focused efforts on prevention of the diseases terming it far cheaper than the cure. The conference marked the launching of Prime Minister’s Policy Package for Elimination of Viral Hepatitis from Pakistan that would ensure the screening of around 140 million people for hepatitis and provide free medical treatment of those found infected.
According to data, with 10 percent HCV prevalence, about 20 million would be anti HCV positive and would go necessary screening. Almost 80 percent would show the virus and need treatment. Using these estimates, around 16 million cases would need Direct Acting Antivirals and 12 million would be cured.
The president said unfortunately, the health practitioners were not being taught to treat the patients prescribing the minimum possible medicines particularly the antibiotics and injections.
He said the awareness against the viral diseases like hepatitis and HIV could be better created through physical interactions like the leady health workers, besides using the electronic and social media, NGOs and regular seminars. He said laudably, Pakistan had been trying to eliminate the viral disease despite resource constraints and added that investment in education and health sectors could lead the country to a real change and achievement of Naya Pakistan.