President, PM for preventive measures against Hepatitis
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have emphasized the need to implement strategies to enhance preventive measures, expand screening, and improve testing and treatment facilities across Pakistan to combat Hepatitis.
In their separate messages on World Hepatitis Day, they highlighted that Hepatitis is responsible for a significant number of deaths worldwide each year.Pakistan Allocates Billions to Combat Hepatitis and Diabetes in 2024-25 Health Budget
The President stated that early screening and diagnosis would alleviate the pressure on Pakistan’s public health system. He emphasized the importance of raising awareness about prevention, screening, and treatment of hepatitis. He called upon the media, academic institutions, students, and civil society members to contribute to spreading awareness among the general public about hepatitis.
On World Hepatitis Day, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a nationwide campaign to eradicate Hepatitis C. In his message, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to addressing the challenges posed by Hepatitis.
He mentioned that as part of this noble mission, the focus would be on decentralizing testing and treatment centers to ensure that the services provided meet the needs of the citizens, in line with the Global Strategy.
The Prime Minister assured that every citizen would have free access to screening and treatment facilities for Hepatitis C.
He recalled that during his tenure as Chief Minister of Punjab, the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Transplant Institute project was established, marking a significant achievement in providing advanced medical facilities to kidney and liver patients, along with modern Hepatitis Filter Clinics set up in all 36 districts of Punjab.
He expressed confidence that these efforts can be successfully replicated.
The Prime Minister urged that on this World Hepatitis Day, the nation should unite in efforts to raise awareness, support those affected by viral hepatitis, and work towards a future free from the burden of this disease.
He concluded by stating that together, we can make a difference and build a healthier and more prosperous nation.
