Pakistan Home to World’s Highest Hepatitis C Burden, Warns WHO

News Desk

Islamabad: The World Health Organization (WHO) has sounded the alarm over Pakistan’s mounting hepatitis B and C crisis, calling for urgent and comprehensive action to combat the country’s staggering burden of the disease.

In a statement marking World Hepatitis Day, the WHO revealed that more than 13.8 million Pakistanis are living with hepatitis B and C—among the highest rates globally. Alarmingly, only 25 to 30 percent of those affected are aware of their condition, hindering access to timely, life-saving treatment.

“Pakistan faces one of the world’s most serious hepatitis challenges,” said Dr. Dapeng Luo, WHO Representative in Pakistan. “We are committed to supporting the country in scaling up prevention, detection, and treatment efforts to ensure no one is left behind.”

According to WHO estimates, Pakistan accounts for approximately 10 million of the world’s 60 million hepatitis C cases, and an additional 3.8 million hepatitis B cases. The lack of awareness and limited access to testing remain key barriers to addressing the growing incidence of liver disease and cancer linked to untreated hepatitis.

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Under the global campaign theme “Let’s Break It Down,” WHO has called on national governments to simplify and expand hepatitis prevention, testing, and treatment services. It emphasized the need to integrate these services within national healthcare systems and strengthen public health strategies, including vaccination, safe injection practices, and harm reduction.

The WHO also lauded Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s National Programme for the Elimination of Hepatitis C Infection, a bold initiative that aims to screen over 82 million people aged 12 and above and provide treatment to five million patients by 2027.

In Pakistan, the primary modes of transmission include unsafe blood transfusions—often linked to unregulated private blood banks—reuse of syringes, and unhygienic practices in medical, dental, and even barber services. WHO highlighted the urgency of enforcing safety standards and investing in public awareness to prevent new infections.

Hepatitis B and C, both preventable and treatable, claim 1.3 million lives globally every year—roughly 3,500 deaths daily. WHO stressed the importance of vaccinating newborns within the first 24 hours of birth and ensuring universal access to diagnosis and treatment services.

Reaffirming its partnership with Pakistan, the WHO pledged continued technical assistance and evidence-based guidance to help the country meet its goal of eliminating hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030.