Pakistan Leads in Hepatitis C Cases, WHO Report Reveals

Pakistan leads global hepatitis C cases with 8.8 million infections, according to a report of World Health Organization (WHO).

Unsafe medical practices contribute to 44% of new infections. Egypt was previously highest, with Pakistan closely behind.

Deaths from viral hepatitis rise to 1.3 million in 2022, 83% due to hepatitis B and 17% to hepatitis C.

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Pakistan ranks fifth globally for combined hepatitis B and C cases, with 12.6 million reported in 2022.

Six countries, including China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, the Russian Federation, and the US, shoulder half of the global hepatitis C burden.

Egypt leads in hepatitis C elimination efforts. 16 countries validated for eliminating HIV, syphilis, or HBV by December 2023.

Dr. Masood Sheikh from Lahore General Hospital highlights Pakistan’s alarming hepatitis C burden. Transmission increases due to lack of awareness and unsafe healthcare practices.