On World Hepatitis Day, Pakistan joins the international community in reaffirming its unwavering commitment to eliminating hepatitis and protecting our people from this devastating disease.
Pakistan remains among the countries with the highest burden of Hepatitis C and has been confronting this serious public health challenge for decades. Ensuring equitable access for every citizen to quality screening, diagnosis and treatment services for the prevention and control of the most severe and life threatening forms of hepatitis remains one of the Government's foremost priorities.
Recognising that Hepatitis C is both preventable and curable, the Government of Pakistan launched the Prime Minister's National Programme for the Elimination of Hepatitis C Infection in 2025. This historic and unprecedented initiative aims to provide millions of Pakistanis with free and timely screening, confirmatory testing and effective treatment. Under this Programme's implementation, screening, diagnostic and treatment services have already commenced in Islamabad, with all major public healthcare facilities and hospitals actively participating. Furthermore, mobile screening has also been launched to ensure these essential services reach communities more effectively. Individuals requiring further diagnostic evaluation and treatment are being enrolled in the Programme without any financial burden.
To curb the spread of this deadly disease, the Government has imposed a complete ban on the manufacture, distribution and reuse of substandard syringes. In this regard, strict directives have been issued to ensure compliance with infection prevention and hygiene protocols in hospitals and healthcare facilities, while accountability has been strengthened for any negligence in their implementation.
The Federal Government remains committed to making the best possible use of available resources while further strengthening collaboration with provincial governments, development partners, healthcare professionals and the private sector to minimise the impact of this disease and ensure that no deserving patient is deprived of treatment.
Success in the fight against hepatitis and other communicable diseases requires not only the Government's efforts but also the active participation of every individual and the wider community. I urge all Pakistanis to undergo timely Hepatitis C screening, encourage their family members, friends and colleagues to get tested, and adopt safe healthcare and hygiene practices that help prevent the spread of infection. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment save lives.
Our doctors, nurses, laboratory professionals and frontline healthcare workers are at the forefront of this national effort to prevent and combat disease. Their dedication and service deserve our highest appreciation. I urge them to continue setting exemplary standards of professional excellence, commitment and compassion in the discharge of their duties.
On this World Hepatitis Day, let us renew our pledge to build a healthier Pakistan. I am confident that through collective efforts, close cooperation, scientific innovation, public participation and the blessings of Almighty Allah, we will achieve our national commitment and global goal of eliminating Hepatitis C as a major public health threat by 2030, Insha'Allah.
Pakistan Zindabad.
