ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has witnessed a concerning increase in hepatitis C cases, according to a recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO), highlighting the country’s significant share in the global disease burden.
The report states that Pakistan, India, and China collectively account for around 39% of the global hepatitis C burden. Pakistan alone is among the 10 countries responsible for approximately 58% of hepatitis-related deaths worldwide, making it one of the most affected nations.
In 2024, an estimated 1.8 million new hepatitis cases were reported globally, while hepatitis B and C together caused around 1.34 million deaths, confirming their status as some of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases.
Health experts point to several key reasons behind the rising spread in Pakistan, including unsafe medical practices, reuse of syringes, inadequate screening of blood donations, and limited public awareness. In rural and under-resourced areas, the use of unsterilized medical equipment and informal healthcare providers further increases the risk of transmission.
Medical specialists also warn that a lack of early diagnosis and delayed treatment contributes to the progression of the disease, often leading to severe liver complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Despite available treatments, many patients remain undiagnosed until the disease reaches an advanced stage, making nationwide screening and preventive healthcare measures critical.
