
30 to 35 per cent of Sindh’s population is infected with viral hepatitis
SHIKARPUR: Pakistan has one of the highest prevalence rates of hepatitis B and C in the world. Approximately 10 per cent of the total population is affected by the disease, while 30 to 35 per cent of Sindh’s population is infected with viral hepatitis. Thousands of people are left undiagnosed in Pakistan. There are no precise figures available. National hepatitis reports have time and again warned the authorities to revise policies and plug all loopholes in the healthcare system. Vaccination against the disease is the need of the hour. Considering this, organisations such as the Shikarpur Youth Organisation started working for the underprivileged that were affected by hepatitis. They even held a medical camp to raise awareness about hepatitis and provided free vaccinations to people. Such initiatives are much appreciated as they aim to eradicate hepatitis from Sindh. I hope the government also takes up such initiatives along with others, to curb the spread of hepatitis in the country.
Wajahat Abro
Published in The Express Tribune, May 8th, 2019.
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