Hepatitis C Cases Rising Alarming in Pakistan, WHO Warns
Islamabad: The spread of Hepatitis C in Pakistan has reached alarming levels, according to a new report by the World Health Organization.
The report states that Pakistan, along with India and China, accounts for 39% of the global Hepatitis C burden. Pakistan is also among the top 10 countries where 58% of deaths related to the disease have been reported.
Globally, around 1.8 million new hepatitis cases were recorded in 2024, while Hepatitis B and C together caused approximately 1.34 million deaths. Both diseases remain among the deadliest health threats worldwide.
The WHO report highlights a major treatment gap: only 20% of Hepatitis C patients are receiving treatment, while less than 5% of those with Hepatitis B have access to care.
Unsafe medical practices, particularly the reuse of injections and syringes, have been identified as key drivers of the disease’s spread in Pakistan. The report also raises concerns about counterfeit auto-disable syringes, which may create a false sense of safety.
Health experts note that the Hepatitis B vaccine offers over 95% protection, while Hepatitis C is curable within 8 to 12 weeks if properly treated.
The WHO has warned that progress toward eliminating hepatitis by 2030 remains insufficient, urging stronger efforts to control the spread and improve access to treatment.
