President reaffirms commitment to eliminate Hepatitis C by 2030, calls for nationwide screening

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Jul, 2026) President Asif Ali Zardari has reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering commitment to eliminating Hepatitis C as a public health threat by 2030, in line with the country's national commitments and the World Health Organization's elimination targets.

"I am confident that Pakistan can achieve the goal of eliminating Hepatitis C as a public health threat by 2030, in line with our national commitments and the World Health Organization's elimination targets," the president said in his message on World Hepatitis Day.

Urging every Pakistani to undergo Hepatitis C screening and seek timely treatment, the president expressed confidence that, through national unity, sustained commitment and collective action, Pakistan would overcome the disease and secure a healthier future for its people.

"World Hepatitis Day serves as a reminder that while Hepatitis remains one of the most significant public health challenge facing our nation, yet it is preventable and can be cured through early detection, early treatment, collective commitment and sustained action," he said adding "Pakistan bears one of the highest Hepatitis C burdens in the world, affecting millions of individuals and placing a considerable strain on our healthcare system, economy and society. The challenge before us is immense, but so is our determination to overcome it".

To stem this tide, he said, "We must confront the Primary drivers of this epidemic in our society including the use of unsterilised medical equipment, the unsafe reuse of syringes, unscreened blood transfusions and unsanitary practices in barbershops and beauty salons".

The key to overcoming this crisis was a robust, two-pronged strategy of strict regulation and enforcement to eliminate unsafe healthcare and commercial practices, combined with mass public awareness campaigns to empower citizens with the knowledge to protect themselves and their families.

Recognising the urgency of this national challenge, the president said the government of Pakistan launched the Prime Minister's National Programme for the Elimination of Hepatitis C Infection, a landmark initiative aimed at providing free screening, diagnosis and treatment services to the people of Pakistan.

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The programme, he said, had successfully commenced its field operations in the capital, where more than 10,000 individuals had already been screened through community-based and mobile screening initiatives, and the campaign would soon expand to Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

He also commended the provincial governments, which would independently implementing Hepatitis C elimination programmes and making valuable contributions towards achieving our shared national goal.

Despite fiscal constraints and competing national priorities, the government has remained steadfast in allocating resources for this critical public health initiative. "We remain committed to utilising every available resource efficiently, strengthening partnerships with provincial governments, development partners, the private sector and civil society and ensuring that this national mission continues without losing momentum," President Zardari remarked.

He said eliminating hepatitis required a collective approach. Healthcare professionals, researchers, development partners, educational institutions, the media, religious leaders, civil society organisations and citizens have an indispensable role in promoting awareness, encouraging screening, ensuring safe healthcare practices and preventing the transmission of infection.

The president extended deep appreciation to the doctors, nurses, laboratory professionals, programme managers, field teams and all healthcare workers whose dedication and professionalism continue to bring hope to thousands of families.

"I urge every Pakistani to come forward for Hepatitis C screening, encourage family members to do the same and seek timely treatment where required. Early diagnosis saves lives, prevents further transmission and contributes to a healthier and more productive nation," he added.