KARACHI: Health experts have revealed that viral hepatitis is three to four times more lethal in Pakistan than coronavirus infection.
As per the latest research, around 15 million people were infected with Hepatitis B and C in Pakistan. However, the majority of the affectees were unaware of it and transmitting to others unknowingly.
“Hepatitis B and C are several times more lethal viral diseases than coronavirus infection and resulting in around 300 to 325 deaths daily in Pakistan while COVID-19 is causing far fewer casualties as compared to viral hepatitis,” Dr. Lubna Kamani, a senior consultant gastroenterologist said.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately, 5, and 10 million people are affected with Hepatitis B and C, respectively, in Pakistan. “Thousands of new patients are added every year due to lack of prevention, testing and treatment resources as well as inadequately screened blood transfusion, improperly sterilised invasive medical devices and unsafe injections,” Dr. Kamani added.
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Dr. Kamani maintained that without finding the undiagnosed and linking them to care, millions will continue to suffer, and lives will be lost.
“On World Hepatitis Day, to be observed on July 28, we call on the people and authorities in Pakistan to take action and raise awareness to find the missing millions,” she said by adding that youth must be involved to create awareness about viral hepatitis, which appeared to be more lethal and painful, its treatment being more expensive, as compared to COVID-19 or any other infectious disease.
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