ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari have committed to eliminate Hepatitis C by 2030 and expressed their concern that Pakistan is among the countries most affected by this infection.
In a message issued from the President House in connection with World Hepatitis Day in Islamabad on Tuesday, President Asif Ali Zardari said that enteric fever is a curable and preventable disease, and its timely diagnosis and treatment are essential.
He further said that Pakistan is among the countries most affected by Hepatitis C in the world.
"Collective commitment and continuous practical steps are necessary to eliminate Hepatitis," the message quoted President Zardari.
The president further said that implementing effective laws against unsafe medical and commercial practices is the need of the hour, while public awareness and preventive measures are the basis for eliminating Hepatitis.
He said that free screening, diagnosis and treatment of Hepatitis C is being provided under the Prime Minister's National Program and despite limited resources, the government is committed to the national mission of eliminating Hepatitis.
He also stressed that collaboration of the federation, provinces, private sector and civil society is essential to eliminate Hepatitis.
"Our goal is to eliminate Hepatitis C from becoming a threat to public health by 2030," vowed the president. "Eradication of hepatitis is possible with national unity, determination and continuous efforts."
PM Sharif vows
In a separate message issued from the Prime Minister's House on Tuesday, PM Sharif has reaffirmed the government's commitment to eliminating Hepatitis C as a major public health threat by 2030, calling for collective national efforts to combat the disease.
On the occasion of World Hepatitis Day, the prime minister said Pakistan stands with the international community in renewing its resolve to eliminate hepatitis and protect citizens from one of the country's most serious public health challenges.
The prime minister noted that Pakistan remains among the countries with the highest burden of Hepatitis C, emphasizing that ensuring equitable access to quality screening, diagnosis and treatment services remains one of the government's top priorities.
He said the government is committed to providing timely healthcare services to prevent and control the disease across the country.
Highlighting government initiatives, PM Sharif said the Prime Minister's National Program for the Elimination of Hepatitis C Infection, launched in 2025, is providing millions of Pakistanis with free screening, confirmatory testing and treatment.
He said screening, diagnostic and treatment services have already begun in Islamabad, with major public hospitals participating in the program. Mobile screening services have also been introduced to improve access for communities, while eligible patients are being enrolled for treatment free of cost.
PM Sharif said the government has imposed a complete ban on the manufacture, distribution and reuse of substandard syringes to curb the spread of Hepatitis C.
He added that strict instructions have been issued to ensure compliance with infection prevention and hygiene protocols in hospitals and healthcare facilities, alongside stronger accountability for negligence.
The prime minister stressed that eliminating hepatitis requires active public participation in addition to government efforts.
He urged citizens to undergo timely Hepatitis C screening, encouraged family members and colleagues to get tested and to adopt safe healthcare and hygiene practices to prevent the spread of infection. He emphasized that early diagnosis and prompt treatment can save lives.
Paying tribute to doctors, nurses, laboratory professionals and frontline healthcare workers, the prime minister acknowledged their dedication and service in combating communicable diseases. He encouraged healthcare professionals to continue serving with commitment, compassion and professionalism.
The prime minister expressed confidence that through coordinated efforts by the federal and provincial governments, development partners, healthcare professionals, the private sector and the public, Pakistan will achieve its goal of eliminating Hepatitis C as a major public health threat by 2030.
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