Screening shows alarming HEP spread

Punjab is grappling with a staggering hepatitis crisis as alarming new data reveals that nearly half of certain risk groups may be infected with hepatitis C.

Large-scale screenings conducted in healthcare facilities, including the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute, have found a 42.7 per cent prevalence of hepatitis C and 8.4% of hepatitis B among those tested. These figures, gathered from over 141,000 people, present a dire challenge to the province's public health system.

Given the province's estimated population of 125 million, experts warn that the data points to more than 50 million people potentially living with hepatitis C and over 10.5 million with hepatitis B. The prevalence rates in Punjab exceed national averages. As the world marks World Hepatitis Day 2025 under the theme "Hepatitis: Let's Break It Down", Punjab's health officials and experts emphasised the urgency of combating the silent epidemic through widespread awareness, prevention, and treatment initiatives.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif stated in her message on World Hepatitis Day, "The provision of hepatitis vaccines is being ensured. Free hepatitis testing facilities are also available in field hospitals and clinics on wheels. Free medicines are being delivered to homes of hepatitis patients."

She highlighted, "With caution and treatment, complete prevention of hepatitis is possible."

The chief minister urged the people to get tested for hepatitis, get vaccinated, and spread the message to others.

Pakistan ranks among the top five countries with the highest hepatitis burden. Nationwide, it is estimated that there are nearly 10 million hepatitis C patients and around four million of hepatitis B, with related complications causing over 20,000 deaths annually. Globally, hepatitis is responsible for more than 1.34 million deaths each year, making it a significant contributor to the world's infectious disease mortality rates.

The experts say the root causes of the hepatitis epidemic in Punjab are entrenched in unsafe medical practices. Reuse of syringes in clinics, use of unsterilised instruments in barbershops and beauty salons, unsafe blood transfusions, and unhygienic traditional practices such as cupping therapy continue to be major sources of infection. Socioeconomic disparities, lack of awareness, and limited access to safe healthcare facilities, particularly in rural areas, have exacerbated the spread of the viruses. Studies indicate that the 16-30 age group is more vulnerable to hepatitis B infection, while older populations carry a heavier burden of hepatitis C. Additionally, men are statistically at double the risk of contracting hepatitis B compared to women.

In response to the alarming statistics, the Punjab government has implemented several targeted interventions. The measures include the mandatory use of auto-disable syringes to eliminate reuse, installation of medical waste incinerators to ensure safe disposal, and the establishment of Hepatitis Prevention and Treatment Centres (HPTCs) across the province. These centres offer free testing, vaccination, and treatment services. Mobile health units have also been deployed to reach underserved communities, providing on-site testing and awareness programmes.

Over 10,000 hepatitis patients have received free treatment under these initiatives, which are aligned with the World Health Organisation's goal of eliminating hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030.

Despite these efforts, health experts caution that Punjab's battle against hepatitis requires a sustained and expansive approach. Millions remain undiagnosed and untreated, and the province faces an uphill task in scaling up interventions to match the enormity of the crisis.

The health authorities urged citizens to undergo hepatitis screening, practice safe medical habits, and break the stigma surrounding the disease.

Modern antiviral therapies offer complete cures for hepatitis C, while hepatitis B can be effectively managed with proper medical care. However, without systemic reforms, community engagement, and unwavering political commitment, the province risks escalation of the epidemic.

"Hepatitis is a silent killer that damages the liver and this is the reason the Punjab government is giving awareness in this regard and also focusing on availability of vaccine. The CM Punjab's programme to deliver medicines to homes is playing an important role to counter hepatitis in the province," said Punjab Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique.