The Government has launched an initiative in two Gilgit-Baltistan districts to combat the propagation of hepatitis C, as part of the Hepatitis C elimination program of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, announced Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed Barth, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health .
Dr. Barth stressed the importance of controlling the disease, since Pakistan has now classified as the country with the highest prevalence of hepatitis C worldwide.
As part of the program, a pilot project has begun in two locations in Gilgit-Baltistan, namely, MC Chilas in Diamer and UC Mirkhunja in Shigar, in collaboration with the AGA Khan Development Network.
This project aims to provide free detection and treatment facilities to the local population.
Dr. Barth also declared that after evaluating the results of the pilot project, the central program will be expanded this year to all districts of Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir, followed by a national launch in all provinces in all provinces .
Highlighting the seriousness of the problem, Dr. Barth pointed out that hepatitis C is a great public health concern in Pakistan, which now leads to the world in its prevalence.
To combat the crisis, the Ministry of Health has launched a Hepatitis C elimination program of RS68 billion in collaboration with the four provinces.
A comprehensive strategy has been designed to stop the generalized transmission of the disease.
Dr. Barth stressed that hepatitis C can be treated with a three -month medication course. However, early detection remains a significant challenge.
Timely detection and treatment are essential to prevent liver failure and liver cancer among affected individuals.
