Hepatitis emerges as major public health problem in Pakistan

KARACHI: Hepatitis has emerged as a major public health problem in the country with an estimated number of six million suffering from Hepatitis B and another seven million suffering from Hepatitis C.

Dr Syed Hussain Askary, Head of Public and Dental Health Department, Fatima Jinnah Dental College (FJDC) addressing a seminar on Wednesday said Pakistan is currently facing an epidemic of viral hepatitis.

"Fifteen million people somehow harbor hepatitis viruses in their bodies," he said.

Dr Askary also FJDC Director Academics and Administration said 4.9% country's population is inflicted with hepatitis C and 2.4% for hepatitis B, besides those who at one or the other point of time had been exposed to Hepatitis A and E.

"The given situation demands a comprehensive approach for prevention of the ailment as well as timely and proper intervention to it," he said.

FJDC Director for Academics said that Fatima Jinnah Dental College and Hospital has chalked out a month long series of activities to raise public awareness about prevention and early diagnosis for treatment of Hepatitis.

The seminar was attended by more than 200 young doctors and senior hepatologists (experts in liver diseases).