Hepatitis C remained at the center of Pakistan’s public health agenda as President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the country’s commitment to eliminating the disease by 2030 in separate World Hepatitis Day messages.
AJK Elections PML-N Takes Early Lead in First Phase of Mirpur Division Polls
President Zardari described hepatitis as a preventable and treatable disease. However, he stressed that early diagnosis and timely treatment remain essential to saving lives.
He said Pakistan is among the countries most affected by Hepatitis C. Therefore, he urged all stakeholders to strengthen collective efforts to eliminate the disease through sustained action.
President Calls for Stronger Prevention Measures
The president called for strict enforcement of laws against unsafe medical and commercial practices. He added that public awareness campaigns and preventive measures are vital to reducing infections.
Furthermore, he said the Prime Minister’s National Programme continues to provide free hepatitis C screening, diagnosis and treatment across the country. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to achieving the national target despite limited resources.
Prime Minister Highlights National Programme
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan was renewing its commitment alongside the international community to eliminate hepatitis.
He noted that hepatitis C has remained a serious public health challenge for decades. Therefore, ensuring equal access to quality screening, diagnosis and treatment remains a government priority.
The prime minister said the government launched the Prime Minister’s National Programme for the Elimination of Hepatitis C in 2025. Under the programme, millions of Pakistanis are receiving free screening, confirmatory testing and effective treatment.
Government Tightens Safety Measures
The prime minister said authorities have introduced strict measures to curb the spread of hepatitis. For example, the government has banned the manufacture, distribution and reuse of substandard syringes.
In addition, hospitals and healthcare facilities must follow strict infection-control protocols. He warned that authorities will hold those responsible for negligence accountable.
Citizens Urged to Get Tested
Shehbaz Sharif urged citizens to undergo hepatitis C screening as early as possible. He also encouraged people to motivate their families, friends and colleagues to get tested.
He emphasized that early diagnosis and timely treatment can save lives.
Tribute to Healthcare Workers
Finally, the prime minister paid tribute to doctors, nurses, laboratory experts and frontline healthcare workers for their continued efforts.
He said national unity, scientific progress, public cooperation and sustained commitment would help Pakistan achieve its national and global goal of eliminating Hepatitis C by 2030.
