Today, we join the global community in observing World Hepatitis Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about hepatitis and its impact on individuals and communities worldwide. The theme for this year's World Hepatitis Day, "It's time for action" reminds us that we must act urgently to prevent, diagnose, and treat hepatitis. We cannot afford to delay the necessary actions that will help us eliminate this disease and ensure a healthier future for all. Hepatitis is a silent epidemic that affects millions of people around the world, causing liver inflammation and potentially leading to severe complications if left untreated. Pakistan has a very high burden of Hepatitis C infection, having 10 million infected cases, out of 60 million hepatitis C cases globally. Our country is facing an epidemic of Hepatitis C and it is feared that we may also see an epidemic of liver cancer, if necessary, actions to prevent and eliminate Viral Hepatitis are not taken. As a nation, we have made significant progress in combating viral hepatitis through awareness campaigns, vaccination programs, and improved access to testing and treatment. However, there is still much work to be done. We must continue to prioritize hepatitis prevention, ensure early diagnosis, and provide affordable and accessible treatment options for all. The government stands firm in its dedication to overcome the challenges posed by Hepatitis. I am pleased to announce a nationwide campaign aimed at eradicating Hepatitis C. As a part of this noble endeavor, our focus will be on decentralizing testing and treatment centers, ensuring that the services provided are tailored to the needs of our citizens, in alignment with the Global Strategy. I reassure every citizen of our great nation, Pakistan, will have free access to screening and treatment facilities for Hepatitis C. During my tenure as Chief Minister Punjab, Pakistan Kidney & Liver Transplant Institute project, a milestone in the provision of state-of-the-art medical facilities to kidney and liver patients was established along with modern Hepatitis Filter Clinics that were set up in all the 36 districts of Punjab. We have done it before and we will do it again. The core objective remains to uplift the health and well-being of those afflicted with HCV, while simultaneously reducing the detrimental impact it has on work productivity, preventing liver cancer, and averting premature death. On this World Hepatitis Day, let us stand united in our efforts to raise awareness, support those affected by viral hepatitis, and work towards a future free from the burden of this disease. Together, we can make a difference and build a healthier and more prosperous nation.
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