Dr. Zulfiqar Dharejo, the additional director of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) Hepatitis Control Programme in Sindh, stressed the importance of seeking treatment for diseases before they pose a threat to public health at a World Hepatitis Day awareness seminar hosted by Dr. Ziauddin Hospital. The purpose of the event was to shed light on the global impact of hepatitis and to emphasize the importance of early detection and preventive measures.
During the session, Dr. Dharejo emphasized the Sindh government’s proactive efforts to provide free hepatitis vaccines and treatments.
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Prof. Zaigham Abbas, head of Ziauddin University’s Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, provided unique insights into the spread of hepatitis B and C.
He highlighted significant sources of dissemination, such as infected blood transfusion, reuse of unsterile needles or surgical equipment, a lack of sufficient sterilization facilities, and the prevalence of quackery.
Dr. Khurram Baqai, Assistant Professor of Gastroenterology at Ziauddin University, emphasized Pakistan’s significant hepatitis C burden of over 10 million cases and 5 million hepatitis B carriers.
He provided a convincing statistic: By 2030, low- and middle-income countries have the ability to save an estimated 4.5 million lives with targeted efforts on vaccine, diagnostic testing, medicines, and comprehensive education programs.
Dr. Fatima Jehangir, Chair of Ziauddin University’s Department of Family Medicine, emphasized the importance of regular handwashing with soap and the consumption of clean water and food when discussing prevention techniques for hepatitis A and E. different easy procedures can help to reduce the spread of different types of hepatitis.
Overall, the conference provided a forum for healthcare professionals and specialists to raise awareness about the seriousness of hepatitis infections, advocate for early detection, and promote the implementation of preventive measures.
