ISLAMABAD, Jul 28 (APP):As the international community observed World Hep
atitis Day on Sunday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for united efforts to raise awareness and work towards a hep
atitis-free future, also announcing a nationwide campaign to eradicate the disease.
“On this World Hep
atitis Day, let us stand united in our efforts to raise awareness, support those affected by viral hep
atitis, 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,” the prime minister said in his message to the nation on the Day.
He said the Day was dedicated to raising awareness about hep
atitis and its impact on individuals and communities worldwide.
He said this year’s theme “It’s time for action” was a reminder for urgent actions to prevent, diagnose, and treat hep
atitis and emphasised necessary actions to help eliminate the disease and ensure a healthier future for all.
The prime minister said that hep
atitis was a silent epidemic that affected 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 Hep
atitis C infection, having 10 million infected cases, out of 60 million hep
atitis C cases globally. Our country is facing an epidemic of Hep
atitis C and it is feared that we may also see an epidemic of liver cancer if necessary actions to prevent and eliminate Viral Hep
atitis are not taken,” he warned.
He highlighted that the country had made significant progress in combating viral hep
atitis through awareness campaigns, vaccination programs, and improved access to testing and treatment. However, there is still much wor
k to be done. We must continue to prioritize hep
atitis prevention, ensure early diagnosis, and provide affordable and accessible treatment options for all, he added.
Prime Minister Shehbaz said that the government stood firm in its dedication to overcome the challenges posed by hep
atitis.
“I am pleased to announce a nationwide campaign aimed at eradicating Hep
atitis 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,” he said.
The prime minister reassured that every citizen would have free access to screening and treatment facilities for Hep
atitis C.
He recalled that during his tenure as Punjab Chief Minister, the 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 Hep
atitis 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,” he added.
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