WHD - 6 per cent of population of Pakistan suffering from hepatitis C

Dr Mohammad Sadiq Memon, consultant physician at the Isra University, told a news conference to mark the Hepatitis Day at the Hyderabad Press Club on Tuesday that three per cent of the country’s population was affected with Hepatitis B and more than one lakh people died every year in Pakistan because of both types of Hepatitis.

He claimed that this figure was higher than the deaths that occurred during the earthquake of 2005. He said one in 12 people worldwide was living with chronic Hepatitis B or C and called for a collective approach to save millions of lives.

He was of the view that combined efforts should be adopted to get rid of the disease and proper vaccination should also be conducted. He termed screening essential in order to know about the disease at the initial stage.

Dr Memon said 70 per cent of the affected patients had no symptom of the disease with only 30 per cent showing symptoms. He said Hepatitis A and E occur because of contaminated water.

Meanwhile, a walk was arranged to create awareness in this regard. The district government also organised a seminar to highlight the importance of the day.

Our Thatta correspondent adds: The Hepatitis Day was also observed in Thatta. A rally, led by civil surgeon Dr Zahoor Memon, was taken out. The participants, including doctors, paramedics, and members of social welfare, human rights organizstions, and civil society marched on the National Highway and gathered in front of the local press club.

They carried banners and placards inscribed with awareness slogans about the deadly disease. Speakers said the government had allocated huge funds for eradication of Hepatitis. They said tests were being conducted free of charge and all drugs were being given to patients gratis. They called upon the people to get their children vaccinated free of charge from all hospitals and health units and obtain the benefits of the ongoing anti-hepatitis campaign.