Hepatitis-C bomb affects 15 million Pakistanis mostly women: Dr. Achakzai
ISLAMABAD: The federal government has reported an alarming increase in the number of patients (mostly women) suffering from Hepatitis-C in the country.
The unexpected growth in Hepatitis C cases has raised fears among health experts and policymakers.
According to Dr. Basir Achakzai, the Director General of Health Pakistan, the situation was alarming as 15 million women and other individuals in the country were suffering from the deadly disease. This number is equal to total population of Lahore _ more or less 15 million. After Karachi, Lahore is the second most populous city in Pakistan.
Therefore, the government has announced free-of-cost tests and treatment for millions of citizens hit by Hepatitis-C.
Dr. Achakzai also said the federal government will bear the cost of treatment kits. He said that carelessness was a key factor for the rapid prevalence of hepatitis in the country.
Dr. Iftikhar Malik, a medical specialist, pointed out that certain villages have reported infection rates exceeding seven percent due to the common usage of injections and drips.
However, urban areas have comparatively lower rates, with less than 5% affected.
The national hepatitis control program, set to be announced this month by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, aims to tackle this pressing issue head-on.
The program will be implemented throughout the country.
This renewed effort to combat hepatitis C comes as a response to the alarming statistics.
In 2008, a survey indicated just 5 percent prevalence of hepatitis in Pakistan, nonetheless, recent data shows an alarming increase to 7% in the number of cases.
The program’s comprehensive approach includes widespread testing, treatment, and awareness campaigns to educate the public about prevention and early detection.
