PIMA launches hepatitis awareness campaign

Pakistan Islamic Medical Association (PIMA) announced a hepatitis awareness campaign in connection with World Hepatitis Day, being observed on July 28.

As part of this campaign, awareness seminars, walks, free screening camps, and CME programmes will be organised across the country for both the general public and healthcare professionals.

PIMA Islamabad organised a free medical camp on Saturday in collaboration with the National Press Club Islamabad. The camp offered free screening and medical check-up for Hepatitis B and C, Hepatitis B vaccination, free referrals and further consultation with specialists for patients, along with essential laboratory tests.

Professor Dr Atif Hafeez Siddiqui, Central President of PIMA, said that the leading cause of hepatitis transmission in Pakistan is the use of contaminated and reused syringes and unsafe injections. He added that about 90 per cent of people infected with viral hepatitis are unaware of their condition, and that testing is the first and essential step toward timely treatment.

He further explained that Hepatitis A and E spread through contaminated water and unsafe food, while Hepatitis B, C, and D are transmitted via infected syringes, surgical instruments, and unsafe blood transfusions. Dr Atif emphasised that timely diagnosis and treatment of Hepatitis B, C, and D can not only save lives but also prevent life-threatening complications such as liver cancer.