The Enduring Battle Against Hepatitis Epidemic in...

Hepatitis has been a primary concern in Pakistan as it poses a significant public health challenge, affecting millions of people annually. Long-term negligence at the local and national levels has been the primary cause behind the ever-increasing surge of Hepatitis B and C . Multiple factors, including lack of awareness, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and insufficient vaccination coverage, have been perpetuating the chronic hepatitis cycle.  Although government contributions are made to the fight against hepatitis through national programs and awareness campaigns, the results remain less meaningful. Existing obstacles, such as stigmatization, limited access to diagnostic and treatment facilities, and financial constraints, are other massive challenges. 

Therefore, addressing these underlying barriers is crucial to overcome the disease burden. This post sheds light on meaningful strategies to address the growing hepatitis cases in Pakistan, their causes, and the prevailing situation.  Let’s begin:

Understanding Hepatitis 

Hepatitis, an inflammatory liver condition, is commonly caused by viral infections. Hepatitis B and C, two of the five major types, are the most prevailing challenge because of their chronic nature and potential to cause long-term liver damage, such as causing liver cancer.

Furthermore, it is a transmissible disease. Infectious blood or body fluids are common reasons for hepatitis B transmission. At the same time, hepatitis C mainly spreads through blood-to-blood contact. The transmission can take place through unsafe medical practices such as shared needles and from mother to child during childbirth. Unfortunately, both of these chronic infections require long-term medical management but can be controlled if diagnosed at an early stage. 

Major Contributing Factors of Hepatitis

Not just a few but multiple factors contribute to the high prevalence of hepatitis in Pakistan. Among them, the most prominent  are:

1- Unsafe Medical Practices

Growing instances of hepatitis B and C infections in Pakistan are attributed to unsafe medical practices. This includes reusing syringes and needles, improper sterilization of medical equipment, and hazardous blood transfusions. Developing countries like Pakistan lack healthcare facilities and resources, which exacerbates the risk of infection.

2- Lack of Awareness 

The lack of public awareness regarding hepatitis transmission, prevention, and treatment has made the situation even more problematic. Wide-spread illiteracy lags people behind in understanding the modes of hepatitis transmission, which include unsafe injections, unsterilized medical instruments, and unsafe sexual practices. 

3- Inadequate Healthcare Infrastructure 

Unfortunately, Pakistan’s healthcare infrastructure is underdeveloped to the extent that it is insufficient to meet the needs of its large population. The situation turns darker in rural communities where crumbling healthcare infrastructure, limited access to diagnostic facilities, and absence of transportation result in undiagnosed and untreated cases. 

Current Statistics of Hepatitis in Pakistan

Pakistan has been battling with the soaring hepatitis infection. A report titled National Library of Medicine reveals alarming facts. According to it, hepatitis C has been the second-largest prevailing infection in Pakistan. Also, it identifies a nationwide prevalence of 4.8% from 2015 to 2019. A glance at the last four years also shows that only 281 578 people were tested for hepatitis B and C out of 110 million. 

Pakistan’s Government Initiatives in Controlling Hepatitis

Pakistan has adopted meaningful steps to eradicate hepatitis. One of its significant initiatives in the long journey against hepatitis is launching an ambitious Hepatitis  Control Program in 2009. Its main objective is to prevent and control hepatitis in Punjab. The province's record has reached alarming proportions, with an estimated value staggering at  2.4% and 6.7% prevalence of hepatitis B and C, respectively. Also, the project aims to reduce morbidity and mortality by improving hospital waste management, infection control, and injection safety practices in public sector health facilities. As an outcome of the program, a screening and vaccination camp for 30,000 enrolled students in Islamic universities was arranged.

Additionally, the chief minister of Sindh initiated the Hepatitis Prevention and Control Program for Hepatitis-Free Sindh. Under this program, free vaccination and screening have been provided to the underprivileged. The project tenure was completed in 3 years and extended to another three years. Aside from this, training sessions and camps were set up for the skill development of medical staff. Also, awareness programs have been carried out to keep people aware of the causes and transmissible nature of hepatitis.

Strategies for Hepatitis Prevention 

The most profound strategies to combat the rising hepatitis cases can be:

1- Vaccinations

Ensuring the provision of hepatitis B vaccination is the best way to prevent the spiraling disease. However, the use of medicine varies among age groups. For instance, Engerix-B is prescribed to protect infants, children, and adults, whereas the PreHevbrio vaccine is particularly prescribed to adults.

2- Safe Medical Practices

Implementing legislation for healthcare units that prohibits the use of shared needles, syringes, or any other drug-injecting equipment is necessary for preventing exposure to bodily fluids. Meanwhile, ensuring compliance with standard protocols, such as gloves and proper sterilization techniques, is critical for hygienic medical practices. With these practices, the risk of transmission can also be curtailed. 

3-Public Awareness

Initiating awareness programs, particularly for rural areas, will encourage early treatment. Spreading awareness through the media and civil society regarding the transmission and symptoms of disease alongside its deadly outcomes is another practical step in this direction.

SHINE Humanity's Initiatives Against Hepatitis

Hepatitis eradication requires immense efforts, from spreading awareness to providing access to health facilities. SHINE Humanity has been at the forefront of saving lives from chronic diseases. We take pride in providing screening services that screen 1000 patients monthly. Also, with the support of The Health Foundation, we started a Hepatitis Program in 2021. As a part of our initiatives, we launched the screening program, particularly for the rural population suffering from hepatitis C. The program screens patients battling with hepatitis C using antibody testing. We undertake confirmatory PCR tests for the identified positive patients for further assurance. Once the PCR confirms them as positive, they are provided free medical treatment. The patients identified with hepatitis C negative are given hepatitis B vaccinations for comprehensive health management. 

Nevertheless, we have achieved inspiring success in countering hepatitis. We have arranged a free hepatitis treatment in Karachi to assist the underprivileged. However, we need your support on the long journey to eradicate this deadly disease. Let’s join hands to save millions of lives! Donate to SHINE  Humanity and protect rural communities against hepatitis