'Hepatitis has become a serious threat to public health in Pakistan'

Speaker stresses on prevention, management of viral disease

KARACHI: Hepatitis has become a serious threat to public health in Pakistan. Approximately 15 million Pakistanis have been infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses.

This was stated on Monday by gastroenterologist Dr Faisal Ziauddin while delivering a lecture on 'Prevention and Management of Viral Hepatitis' during an awareness session on World Hepatitis Day organised by the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) at Defence Authority Sunset Club.

Free screening tests for detection of Hepatitis were conducted by the Sindh Lab and Liver Foundation at the venue. The wife of DHA Administrator Brig Shahid Hassan Ali was the chief guest on the occasion.



"It is ironic that the hepatitis infection is detected in a timely manner only among a fraction of the infected people and even fewer receive proper treatment for the deadly disease," reiterated Dr Ziauddin, adding that this must change.

According to him, it is an appalling situation that has resulted in hundreds of deaths every year.

The gastroenterologist stressed the need to promote awareness of the disease among the masses and the need for ensuring early detection and vaccination of hepatitis to control the mortality rate.



Hepatitis B is a lethal liver attacking virus in the blood that is life-threatening, Dr Ziauddin said, adding that the vaccination for Hepatitis B is the most effective way of prevention from infection.

He stressed the need to establish free Hepatitis B vaccination camps at different places for citizens. "The vaccination series consists of three shots, which provide comprehensive protection against the infection for at least 20 years," he explained.