Gynaecologists can play key role in ending mother-to-child Hepatitis B transmission: Dr Nadeem Bajkani

SUKKUR, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Jul, 2026) consultant Hepatologist, Gastroenterologist and Liver Transplant Physician at Gambat Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS) Gambat, Dr Nadeem Bajkani on Monday has said that gynaecologists can play a vital role in breaking the chain of Hepatitis B transmission from mother to child.

Taking to APP on the occasion of World Hepatitis Day being observed globally, Dr Bajkani called upon the gynaecology community to join hands for a Hepatitis B free future.

He said that Pakistan carries one of the highest burdens of Hepatitis B and C in the world and mother-to-child transmission during childbirth remains a major but preventable cause of new infections.

He outlined a some point agenda for all gynaecologists like screen all pregnant women for Hepatitis B (HBsAg) early in pregnancy, If any pregnant woman is positive for Hepatitis B, ensure proper evaluation and management in coordination with a hepatologist, he added.

He appealed to ensure Hepatitis B vaccination and Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin (HBIG) to the newborn within 12 hours after birth.

Dr Bajkani said that a single timely intervention can give a child lifelong protection.

He emphasized the WHO strategy of SCREEN - PROTECT - VACCINATE - ELIMINATE and stressed that every pregnancy must be screened for Hepatitis B, every newborn must be vaccinated on time, and every high-risk newborn must receive HBIG.

"Together we can eliminate Hepatitis B. It is possible to protect a life from a complex disease through timely screening and vaccination," he said.

Dr Bajkani said that Gambat Institute of Medical Sciences, which houses Pakistan's largest liver transplant programme, is providing free screening, evaluation and management facilities. He offered awareness, training and support for gynaecologists across Sindh to strengthen referral linkages.