Hepatitis C remains one of Pakistan’s most serious public health challenges, placing the country among those with the highest hepatitis C burden worldwide. Approximately 8.8 million people are living with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Pakistan.
Often referred to as a “silent disease,” hepatitis C can remain undetected for years, quietly damaging the liver before symptoms appear. Although modern antiviral medicines known as Direct-Acting Antivirals (DAAs) can cure more than 95% of cases, many Pakistanis are diagnosed too late due to limited awareness, delayed screening, and unequal access to healthcare.
Strengthening prevention, expanding early diagnosis, and improving access to treatment are essential to reducing the burden of hepatitis C and protecting communities across Pakistan.
What Is Hepatitis C and Why Is It a Major Health Concern?
Hepatitis C is a viral infection caused by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV), which primarily affects the liver. Unlike hepatitis B, there is currently no approved vaccine to prevent hepatitis C.
Many infected individuals experience no symptoms for years. As a result, people often discover the disease only after developing serious liver complications.
If left untreated, chronic hepatitis C can lead to:
- Liver cirrhosis
- Liver failure
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer)
- Premature death from liver-related disease
The virus spreads primarily through exposure to infected blood rather than casual contact.
Common routes of transmission include:
- Reuse of contaminated syringes
- Unsafe medical and dental procedures
- Unscreened or improperly screened blood transfusions
- Sharing needles or sharp instruments
- Unsterilized tattooing and body piercing equipment
Unlike hepatitis B, hepatitis C is rarely transmitted from mother to child or through sexual contact, although these routes are possible under certain circumstances.
However, curative DAA treatment is recommended for essentially everyone with hepatitis C if diagnosed in time.
Hepatitis C in Pakistan: Latest Statistics and National Disease Burden
The burden of Hepatitis C in Pakistan is among the highest globally.
Globally, approximately 50 million people are infected with hepatitis C virus, with 1 million new infections occurring each year, a third of which occur in Pakistan.
Research indicates the following stats:
- In Pakistan, one person dies from HCV-related complications every 20 minutes, yet only 25–30% of those infected are aware they have the virus.
- Pakistan bears hepatitis burden, with 10 million people affected by hepatitis C.
These figures illustrate the enormous impact of hepatitis C on Pakistan’s healthcare system and highlight the urgent need for expanded prevention and treatment programmes.
Pakistan accounts for a substantial share of the global hepatitis C burden, making national elimination efforts important not only for the country but also for global public health.
Why Pakistan Continues to Face High Rates of Hepatitis C
Several factors have contributed to the continued spread of hepatitis C across Pakistan.
Unsafe Injection Practices
Pakistan has historically reported one of the highest rates of therapeutic injections per person each year. While injections are often medically necessary, unnecessary injections and the reuse of syringes increase the risk of transmitting blood-borne infections when infection prevention standards are not followed.
Inadequate Infection Prevention
Improper sterilisation of surgical equipment, dental instruments, and medical devices continues to pose risks in some healthcare settings. Strengthening infection prevention and control measures remains essential across both public and private healthcare facilities.
Limited Awareness and Screening
Many people living with hepatitis C do not know they are infected because symptoms may not appear until advanced liver disease develops. Without routine screening, patients often miss the opportunity for early treatment.
Healthcare Inequalities
Communities in remote and underserved regions may have limited access to diagnostic laboratories, specialist physicians, and affordable antiviral medicines. These disparities contribute to delayed diagnosis and reduced treatment coverage.
Stigma and Misconceptions
Fear of social stigma and misconceptions surrounding hepatitis continue to discourage some individuals from seeking medical advice or informing family members about their diagnosis.
How Early Diagnosis and Modern Treatment Can Eliminate Hepatitis C
One of the most encouraging developments in recent years is the availability of highly effective antiviral medicines.
Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) can cure more than 95% of hepatitis C infections, often within 8 to 12 weeks as stated above, depending on the patient’s clinical condition and treatment regimen. Early diagnosis allows patients to begin treatment before permanent liver damage occurs.
Expanding access to screening programmes is therefore essential.
Healthcare professionals recommend hepatitis C testing for:
- Adults with previous blood transfusions before improved blood screening systems were established
- Healthcare workers with occupational exposure
- Individuals who have undergone multiple invasive medical procedures
- People receiving frequent injections
- Individuals with unexplained liver disease
- Family members of infected patients when appropriate
Early treatment not only improves individual health outcomes but also reduces the likelihood of further transmission within communities.
Preventing New Hepatitis C Infections Requires Stronger Healthcare Systems
Because no vaccine exists for hepatitis C, prevention depends on reducing exposure to infected blood.
Key prevention strategies include:
- Using sterile, single-use syringes for every patient
- Proper sterilisation of surgical and dental equipment
- Universal screening of donated blood
- Safe waste disposal in healthcare facilities
- Public awareness about transmission risks
- Routine infection prevention training for healthcare professionals
- Expanded access to community-based screening services
These measures help protect both patients and healthcare workers while reducing new infections nationwide.
How UK Association of Medical Aid to Pakistan (UKMAP) Is Helping Communities Fight Hepatitis C
UKMAP is dedicated to reducing the burden of hepatitis C through practical, community-focused healthcare initiatives that reach underserved populations across Pakistan.
The organisation supports prevention, early diagnosis, and patient education through:
- Free hepatitis C screening camps
- Community awareness sessions on infection prevention
- Health education programmes in rural and urban communities
- Referrals for confirmatory testing and medical treatment
- Partnerships with healthcare professionals to expand access to quality care
- Advocacy for safe healthcare practices and disease prevention
By working alongside local communities and healthcare providers, UK Association of Medical Aid to Pakistan contributes to national efforts aimed at reducing hepatitis C infections and improving long-term public health.
Building a Future Where Hepatitis C No Longer Threatens Pakistani Families
The availability of highly effective antiviral treatment means that hepatitis C is no longer a lifelong disease for most patients. The greatest challenge today is ensuring that every individual has access to timely diagnosis, affordable treatment, and accurate information.
Reducing the burden of Hepatitis C in Pakistan will require continued investment in healthcare infrastructure, expanded screening programmes, safer medical practices, and stronger collaboration between government institutions, healthcare professionals, development partners, and charitable organisations.
Every person diagnosed early and successfully treated represents another step toward a healthier Pakistan and a future where viral hepatitis is no longer a leading cause of preventable liver disease.